New Delhi: Before Diwali, business organisations of Delhi have made a big appeal to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written a letter to Rahul Gandhi requesting him to postpone the proposed rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Traders say that during festivals the major markets of Delhi are already crowded with customers. In such a situation, business may be affected due to traffic jams, changes in routes and security arrangements due to the rally. Due to this, traders fear a loss of crores of rupees.
Why was Rahul Gandhi demanded to postpone the rally?
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal has said in a letter to Rahul Gandhi that many big wholesale and retail markets of Delhi are located around Ramlila Maidan. A large number of people reach these markets for shopping during Diwali. In such a situation, if traffic is affected due to the rally, then both shopkeepers and customers may face problems.
Traders are demanding that the date of the rally be reconsidered so that normal activities can continue in the markets during the festival. He says that Diwali is one of the most important business occasions of the year for traders and any disruption in the markets during this time can affect sales.
What suggestion did CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal give to Rahul Gandhi?
Brijesh Goyal has appealed in his letter that Rahul Gandhi’s rally should be postponed till November 10. He said that Bhaiya Dooj is on November 10 and it is important to allow the markets to function smoothly during this busy period of festivals.
CTI says it respects peaceful protests and democratic rights. However, the organisation wants that while deciding the dates of political programs, the facilities of businessmen and common people should also be kept in mind. The organisation’s appeal is aimed at avoiding potential chaos and business losses during festivals.
How much loss have Delhi traders already suffered?
According to CTI’s assessment, traders have suffered a loss of around Rs 3,000 crore due to continuous rallies and marches in some major markets in Delhi in October. Referring to the markets of Kashmere Gate, India Gate and Central Delhi, the organisation said that traffic disruptions could impact business.
However, this figure is an estimate of the business organisation. This should not be seen as an independently verified official loss figure. The actual impact on business will depend on market conditions, customer movement and traffic arrangements in place during the event.
Which markets may be affected around Ramlila Maidan?
Major commercial areas around Ramlila Maidan and in Central Delhi include major markets like Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Kashmiri Gate, Naya Bazaar, Mori Gate, Kinari Bazaar and Daryaganj.
Traders and customers from different parts of the country come to these markets for shopping. The supply of goods and movement of customers increases here during festivals. Traders say that if roads are closed due to the rally, traffic is diverted or barricades are put up for security, it may be difficult to reach the markets.
Apart from this, commuters and shoppers travelling around Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations may also face traffic problems.
Will the date of Rahul Gandhi’s rally be changed?
At present, there has been a demand from CTI to postpone the rally. The situation will become clear only when any official decision comes from Rahul Gandhi or the organisers regarding the change in the date of the rally.
The trade organisation has appealed to political parties to avoid organising big rallies in major markets of Delhi during festivals like Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhaiya Dooj. Now it remains to be seen what decision the organisers take on this demand of the businessmen.
