Delhi traders seek rally delay, warning of Rs100 billion in losses before Diwali

A dispute over timing and access

Organizers expect roughly one million people at the rally, which is part of the opposition alliance's campaign for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. According to reports, CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal has again written to Gandhi asking for a date after Diwali or a location farther from major shopping districts.

Gandhi rejected the earlier request on Monday. Writing on X, he said the protests could stop within 30 seconds if Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Kumar. He acknowledged traders' concerns but held the government responsible for restrictions, accusing authorities of closing Metro services, blocking roads and impeding travel. The opposition's allegations about Kumar and electoral integrity remain political claims.

Delhi Police have given Congress a No Objection Certificate for the rally, covering October 25 through November 3, 2026. Police said they were working with organizers, Traffic Police and other agencies on traffic management and law and order.

CTI wants to know whether barricades and traffic controls will be in place from October 31, whether shops can open normally that day and on November 1, and whether customers will have access to the markets.

Markets face a crucial shopping week

The rally falls a week before Diwali. In its letter, CTI cited the 2026 festival dates as Friday, November 6 for Dhanteras, Sunday, November 8 for Diwali and Tuesday, November 10 for Bhai Dooj.

CTI puts Delhi's Dhanteras-related business at approximately Rs25,000 crore. That figure covers gold and silver, utensils, electronics, textiles, dry fruits, sweets, automobiles and other vehicles, property and gift items.

At least 20 major markets near Ramlila Maidan could face disruption, the association warned. It named Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim and Karol Bagh among the areas at risk.

The association estimates that protesters could arrive in 15,000 to 20,000 buses, alongside private vehicles carrying political leaders and supporters. Traders fear that congestion, road closures and security barriers could leave customers unable to reach stores and businesses unable to open.

Varjesh Aggarwal, who owns Bengali Sweet House and Pastry Shop, said the effects could last two or three days as crowds and traffic build up. He described Diwali as a vital sales period, especially for sweet shops and retailers dependent on festive purchases. While recognizing the right to peaceful protest, he urged organizers to avoid disrupting livelihoods and said a post-Diwali rally would spare traders and customers unnecessary inconvenience.

Mukesh Gupta, president of the Bengali Market Traders Association, told IANS on Tuesday that the November 1 gathering would be the fifth major rally in four months. He said repeated demonstrations had hurt shopkeepers and livelihoods, and appealed to Gandhi and Kharge to reconsider. Political parties should resolve disputes through talks or choose protest sites that do not interfere with commerce, he said.

Khan Market Traders Association President Sanjeev Mehra said repeated requests had failed to change Congress leaders' plans. If businesses cannot operate during the festive period, traders and their employees will bear the financial cost, he warned.

Loss estimates remain traders' claims

CTI cited the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar as a precedent, claiming that restrictions across central Delhi caused Rs3,000 crore in losses even though the gathering involved only 3,000 to 4,000 people. It warned that the proposed million-person rally could cause losses of up to Rs10,000 crore. Neither estimate has been independently verified.

In a broader account of October's disruption, CTI also claimed losses of about Rs3,000 crore from rallies, marches and road closures around Connaught Place, India Gate and central Delhi. The association attributed Rs1,800 crore of that figure to retail and Rs600 crore to wholesale trade.

Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, a separate traders' organization, has asked the Lieutenant Governor, Delhi Police Commissioner and MCD Commissioner to cancel or relocate the Ramlila Maidan program. It claims recent protests have already affected nearly 30% of wholesale trade. Its warning also extends beyond shopping: traffic diversions, it says, could hinder access to Lok Nayak and GB Pant hospitals and New Delhi Railway Station.

Alternative sites and limited availability

If organizers will not delay the event, CTI has suggested Burari Grounds or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The association argues that either could accommodate a large gathering while causing less disruption to wholesale and retail markets.

The request follows a change in Delhi's designated protest locations. On October 12, 2026, Delhi Police removed Jantar Mantar's designation as a protest site and identified Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as alternatives.

Ramlila Maidan spans 12 acres and can hold up to 50,000 people, according to an official cited by PTI in a report carried by Moneycontrol. The official said the venue was largely reserved for the next two and a half months, with only December 29, 30 and 31 still available that year.

A one-day reservation costs Rs50,000, with a refundable security deposit of Rs55,000. Including taxes, the initial payment is Rs1.21 lakh.

The ground has a long political history. Jayaprakash Narayan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressed a rally there on June 25, 1975, the day the Emergency was declared. Arvind Kejriwal took his oath as Delhi chief minister at the venue in 2013.