The trade community in Delhi has reached out to top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to request her to help delay the INDIA bloc's mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, fearing that it will cause disruption.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), representing Delhi trade, reportedly reached out to Sonia Gandhi after getting no reply to three letters written to Rahul Gandhi. It also said that nearly 20 major trade markets could be disrupted.

Approximately Rs 10,000-12,000 crore worth of business could be affected due to traffic chaos, reported CTI.

Why Did Delhi Trade Community Reach Out to Sonia Gandhi?

The appeal comes amid fears that the rally on November 1 could hit business in Delhi. As Diwali is around the corner, multiple markets in Delhi will be extremely busy.

The CTI has asked Sonia Gandhi to request the Congress party to change the date of the rally. They reportedly asked for the event to be delayed until after November 10 or moved elsewhere such as Burari Maidan.

They have said it is not an issue with the rally itself but want the Congress party and INDIA bloc leadership to consider how it could affect business during one of the busiest shopping times of the year.

12,000 Crore Worth of Trade at Stake, Says Traders' Association

Approximately 20 major marketplaces in Delhi add up to around Rs 10,000-12,000 crore worth of business each day.

Some of the markets which could be affected are:

• Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Chawri Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Kashmere Gate and Daryaganj.
• These markets sell everything from electronic items, to clothes, jewellery, spices, dried fruits, foodstuffs, car parts and household items.
• Traders fear that the rally will cause huge crowds, detours and road closures which will prevent people going into shops.
• This does not mean that the trade community expect to lose this amount of money but are worried it could affect them.

Why Is the November 1 Rally Controversial?

The rally has been organised by the Congress led INDIA bloc as part of their campaign against alleged malpractice in elections.

They have also called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The rally will cause a huge crowd to gather in Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi. Traders are concerned it will cause huge road closures and cause issues for people trying to get into local markets.

The rally has caused some debate as to how the political protest can be balanced with the business interests of traders.

Traders Are Worried About Road Closures and Parking Issues

• One of the main issues mentioned by the CTI is the lack of parking available.
• A rally on this scale could cause thousands of vehicles to crowd the already busy roads.
• Traders are worried that there will be road closures, barriers and potential transport issues which could impact customers and deliveries in central and old Delhi.
• Wholesale markets rely on goods being delivered and sent out on time. Any transport issues could affect deliveries and sales throughout the festive period.
• The traders have called on the political leaders to consider other options.

Rahul Gandhi's Response to Delhi Trade Community

Rahul Gandhi has previously responded to the traders' concerns.

"I heard the traders' concerns. These protests come from the opposition's anti-vote theft campaign. However, these protests will stop if PM Narendra Modi dismisses Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar," he wrote on social media.

While the Congress party believe that the anti-malpractice campaign is important, the traders' association want the party to consider how a large rally could cause issues.

This latest appeal to Sonia Gandhi shows that the traders are trying to find a solution.

Will Sonia Gandhi Step In?

• The fact that the traders have reached out to Sonia Gandhi has caused some political interest as she is a long standing member of the Congress party.
• While Rahul Gandhi has become a key member of the political side, Sonia Gandhi still holds an influential role as a senior Congress leader and Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party.
• The traders seem to be holding out hope that she could help negotiate between the party and business.
• However, it is unclear whether this will result in the rally being delayed, moved or any other changes.
• The main concern for businesses in Delhi is making sure customers can get into the markets and goods can move without any major issues.