Delhi’s trading community has made repeated appeals to the Congress leadership to postpone the November 1 protest until after Diwali. Despite growing concerns over the potential disruption to local businesses, the Congress’s proposed mega rally at Ramlila Maidan remains scheduled for the middle of the capital’s busiest festive shopping period. Why should thousands of traders and small business owners suffer because of a political party’s decision to organise a mass demonstration? And why is the Congress leadership refusing to listen to the traders’ concerns?
And what is so significant about November 1 that Congress has to hold its rally on that day only, even if it leads to disruption of festival season shopping?
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written repeatedly to Rahul Gandhi, requesting that the rally be shifted to November 10 or later. Having received no favourable response, the traders have now approached Sonia Gandhi, seeking her intervention. They have also appealed to INDIA bloc allies, including Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Tejashwi Yadav and Uddhav Thackeray.
Their concerns are hardly insignificant. According to CTI, the rally could attract lakhs of people and 15,000-20,000 vehicles. Nearly 20 major wholesale and retail markets, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazar and Karol Bagh, are located within five kilometres of Ramlila Maidan where the protest rally is scheduled to take place.
The traders estimate that business worth Rs 10,000-12,000 crore could be affected by traffic restrictions, barricading and congestion. Dhanteras falls on November 6 and Diwali on November 8. The first week of November is crucial for stocking goods, receiving consignments and preparing for the festive rush.
The problem extends beyond customers being unable to reach shops. Thousands of trucks and tempos transport merchandise into these markets every day. Traffic chaos could disrupt deliveries, supply chains and transportation to neighbouring cities. Small traders, who depend heavily on festive sales, could be particularly vulnerable.
The Congress and INDIA bloc argue that their protest against alleged electoral irregularities is a fight to protect democracy. That is their democratic right. But democracy also means respecting the livelihoods and concerns of ordinary citizens.
Political protests need not come at the expense of commercial activity. The traders have even suggested shifting the rally to Burari Ground or postponing it until after November 10.
If the objective is to defend people’s democratic rights, surely the economic interests of thousands of working families deserve consideration too. A political rally can be rescheduled. The business lost by a small trader during Diwali may not be recovered.
