Ahead of the peak festive season, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to postpone the proposed rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 until November 10, after Bhai Dooj, or shift it to an alternative venue away from commercial areas.
The traders’ body also raised concerns over parking arrangements, questioning where the vehicles would be accommodated. CTI said the rally, for which the Congress has claimed a turnout of 10 lakh people, could disrupt businesses in 21 major wholesale and retail markets in Delhi, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli and Bhagirath Palace, news agency PTI reported. Goyal said traders were concerned that barricading and road closures on October 31 and November 1 could affect customer movement during the festive shopping period. It claimed that there was no authorised parking facility for even 200 vehicles in the immediate vicinity of Ramlila Maidan, according to PTI.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said a copy of the letter had also been sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, urging him to discuss the matter with alliance partners. The markets that CTI fears could be affected include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Lahori Gate, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid, Lajpat Rai Market and Naya Bazaar, according to PTI.
