The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has made an urgent plea to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, requesting that he reschedule a planned public rally set for November 10 in Delhi. The traders' body warns that holding the event during the peak Diwali festival shopping period could devastate local businesses.
Traders Voice Concerns Over Rally Timing
CAIT estimates that Delhi's traders could face a staggering loss of approximately ₹10,000 crore if the rally proceeds as scheduled. This financial hit would come from disruptions to traffic, heightened security measures, and a significant reduction in customer footfall during what is typically the busiest retail season of the year.
Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of CAIT, emphasized the critical importance of the Diwali period for small and medium-sized businesses. "Diwali is not just a festival; it's the lifeline for millions of traders and their employees. A rally on November 10 would cripple our ability to conduct business, impacting livelihoods across the city," he stated in a press release.
Appeal for Cooperation
The appeal highlights that the rally's timing coincides with the final crucial days leading up to Diwali, when families traditionally flock to markets for gifts, decorations, and household items. CAIT has urged Rahul Gandhi to consider the economic ramifications and choose an alternative date that would not jeopardize the livelihoods of Delhi's trading community.
"We respect the democratic right to hold rallies, but we also appeal for understanding regarding the economic sensitivities of the festive season," CAIT noted, expressing hope for a positive response from the Congress leadership. The organization believes that shifting the date would allow both political expression and vital economic activity to coexist without conflict.