INDIA Bloc Rally Triggers Business Loss Claims from Delhi Traders

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has raised concerns over the INDIA bloc’s ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. The rally was organised to protest alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s policies, while also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal claimed that the event caused an estimated business loss of around Rs 11,000 crore in the national capital. He said the rally was held during the crucial festive shopping season, despite traders urging opposition leaders to postpone it until after Diwali. According to the traders’ body, around 2.5 lakh shops in major markets, including Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh, remained closed.

Goyal questioned who would take responsibility for the alleged losses and whether the rally organisers would compensate the affected traders. He also said that around three to four lakh customers, dealers and suppliers who usually visit Delhi could not make it to the city, disrupting business activity. Responding to the concerns, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said rally participants had been encouraged to shop at local businesses. However, he alleged that BJP workers had forcibly shut shops in the Connaught Place area. The competing claims have sparked a debate over the impact of the rally on Delhi’s businesses during the festive season.