Congress Open to Rescheduling INDIA Bloc’s November 1 Rally After Delhi Traders’ Appeal

Congress Considers Request to Reschedule November 1 Rally

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday, October 26, said the INDIA bloc would consider a request from Delhi’s business community to reschedule its planned rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Kharge acknowledged that the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) had approached Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, asking the opposition alliance to move the event to a date after the festive season.

Kharge said the leadership would discuss the request over the next day or two and try to find a solution, noting that the opposition’s campaign was also intended to protect public interests.

Why Are Delhi Traders Seeking a Postponement?

The CTI has urged the INDIA bloc to hold the rally after November 10, arguing that the event could affect commercial activity during one of Delhi’s busiest shopping periods.

The rally is scheduled for the Sunday before Diwali, when markets generally experience increased customer traffic and higher sales. Traders are concerned that road closures, security barricades, traffic diversions and possible restrictions around Ramlila Maidan could make it harder for shoppers to reach commercial areas.

CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal wrote to Rahul Gandhi on October 24, requesting that the opposition leadership consider the impact on retailers, wholesalers and small businesses.

Traders Cite Potential Losses During Festive Shopping

According to the CTI, Delhi’s Dhanteras shopping period generates business worth approximately ₹25,000 crore across sectors such as jewellery, electronics, clothing and automobiles.

The association has warned that disruption around central Delhi could affect a wider area because several major wholesale and retail markets are located near Ramlila Maidan.

These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazar and Karol Bagh. The proximity of Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations has also raised concerns about congestion affecting visitors and traders travelling to the capital.

The CTI has further claimed that traffic restrictions during earlier demonstrations in October caused traders losses estimated at ₹3,000 crore. These amounts are estimates cited by the trade body and have not been independently verified.

Kharge Defends the INDIA Bloc’s Campaign

While acknowledging the traders’ concerns, Kharge maintained that the opposition’s campaign over alleged “vote theft” was an important democratic issue.

He argued that the right to vote was fundamental to citizens’ interests, including those of traders and students. Kharge said the alliance would consider the request rather than dismissing the business community’s concerns.

The planned rally forms part of the INDIA bloc’s campaign against alleged irregularities in electoral processes, including concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions are taken under the applicable legal framework. Allegations raised by opposition parties remain matters of political dispute unless established through the relevant legal or evidentiary process.

When Are Diwali and Other Major Festivals?

The traders’ request is linked to the timing of the rally and the expected increase in commercial activity around major festivals.

The dates cited in the reports are:

• November 1: Scheduled INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan.

• November 6: Dhanteras.

• November 8: Diwali.

• November 10: Bhai Dooj.

The CTI has therefore requested that the rally be moved to a date after November 10, allowing businesses to operate during the festive shopping period with fewer potential disruptions.

No Final Decision Announced Yet

Kharge’s statement indicates that the opposition leadership is willing to consider the traders’ appeal, but it does not confirm that the rally has been postponed.

The INDIA bloc was expected to discuss the matter before announcing whether the event would proceed on November 1 or be shifted to a later date.

The outcome will determine whether organisers need to revise their arrangements and whether traffic and security planning around central Delhi will change.

Key Takeaways

• Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the INDIA bloc would consider rescheduling its November 1 rally.

• The event is planned at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

• The Chamber of Trade and Industry has asked Rahul Gandhi to defer the rally until after November 10.

• Traders fear traffic diversions and security restrictions could disrupt festive shopping.

• The CTI estimates that Dhanteras generates around ₹25,000 crore in business in Delhi.

• The trade body also cited estimated losses of ₹3,000 crore during earlier October disruptions.

• Kharge defended the opposition’s campaign against alleged electoral irregularities while agreeing to consider the request.

• No final postponement decision had been announced in the reports published on October 26.

Bottom Line

The INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally may be rescheduled after Delhi traders raised concerns about disruption during the Diwali shopping season. Mallikarjun Kharge has said the leadership will consider the appeal and seek a solution. Until an official announcement is made, however, the rally remains scheduled for November 1.