Business people in Delhi have expressed their concerns after facing huge losses due to the INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Approximately 2.5 lakh shopkeepers in 20-25 major markets have had their shops shut due to the disruption caused by the political rally.

Traders said they had suffered huge losses as the rally and disruption affected their business during one of the busiest times of the year, the Diwali shopping period. They estimate they lost between ₹10,000 crore and ₹11,000 crore.

The rally, organised by the INDIA bloc as a protest against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll and alleged poll malpractice, caused concern across local businesses who had been anticipating a busy period.

Delhi Traders Express Concern Over Losses

In many of Delhis big markets, traders see a big increase in customers during the Diwali shopping period. However, the political rally caused disruption and congestion, affecting customers.

The traders organisation had spoken previously about how they were concerned about the impact on their business in around 20 of the capitals biggest markets.

After the rally they said around 2.5 lakh shops were impacted and they estimate they lost between ₹10,000 crore and ₹11,000 crore.

However this is an estimate and has not been confirmed.

Rahul Gandhi Asks Rally Attendees To Support Local Traders

• Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to people attending the rally to support local traders.
• This came after traders organisations said they were worried the political rally would impact their business.
• Many leaders from the INDIA bloc attended the rally however business people have spoken.

Political Leaders Weigh In On Impact On Business

The loss of business has sparked some political comments.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has questioned why the rally took place. However, Rahul Gandhi and other congress leaders have spoken.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has also challenged the traders comments saying trading had been good.

This has caused debate.

Delhi Markets Spell Trouble During Diwali

• The incident has shown how difficult it can be for businesses during large public events.
• Delhi markets rely on good levels of customers. It is important that transport runs smoothly and the markets are easily accessible.
• Traders have stressed how it is important that political events match up with trading.
• Although political rallies are an important part of democracy, business organisations are calling for more planning to ensure that public events do not have too much of an impact on traders, customers and the local economy.