Rahul Gandhi: Rahul Gandhi has tried to calm Delhi’s traders ahead of the INDIA bloc‘s mega rally by asking protesters to shop while they are in the capital. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha made the appeal in a video on X.
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What Gandhi Said
Gandhi said Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj are here, and he wants the lakhs of people coming to Delhi to support local traders. “Do a little shopping too,” he told attendees. He also said the BJP is spreading rumours that the rally would hurt business, and that he knows it will not harm traders.
Why Traders Are Worried
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) and the Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association asked Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to postpone the rally. CTI says the event could disrupt business in 20 Delhi markets and has written to Gandhi four times. Diwali falls on November 8, a week after the rally.
Traders’ Position
On Saturday, traders put up posters outside shops in Kamla Market. One trader said they have no link to any party, and that they object only to the timing and venue. They said Gandhi did not listen despite repeated appeals.
The Rally Itself
The march starts at noon and ends at Ramlila Maidan. It is aimed at alleged electoral irregularities and a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Will It Pacify?
Rahul Gandhi: I found no reaction from the traders’ bodies to Gandhi’s appeal. Their stated worry is about road closures and lost footfall, which more shoppers may not fix. Traders also said their objection is about the timing and venue, not the cause. Supporters of the rally will argue that visitors to Delhi will spend in its markets.
The question will be settled by what traders see on the ground this week, and by whether shoppers actually turn up.
