Delhi Traders Appeal to Sonia Gandhi Over Proposed Pre-Diwali Rally

Representatives from Delhi's trading community have turned to senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, requesting that a planned November 1 protest march be rescheduled. The Chamber of Trade and Industry sought her intervention after receiving no response to three previous letters sent to Rahul Gandhi.

Organized by the INDIA bloc at Ramlila Maidan, the rally is intended to protest the handling of electoral roll revisions and demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. However, traders warn that the political gathering will severely impact commercial activity during the peak pre-Diwali shopping season.

According to business estimates, the disruption could affect commerce worth between Rs 10,000 and 12,000 crore across nearly 20 major markets located near the protest site, including Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar. Analysts noted that the decision to approach Sonia Gandhi stems from a perception that she may be more receptive to economic concerns compared to the party's younger leadership.