New Delhi, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A remark by senior Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit has triggered a debate amid growing demands from trade bodies for the INDIA Bloc to postpone its November 1 protest march in Delhi until after Diwali. Dikshit downplayed concerns over potential business losses, questioning the impact of a one-day disruption on traders during the crucial festive shopping season.
Speaking to IANS, Dikshit said that even if businesses were affected for a day, sales would resume and trade would continue in the following days.
“What difference will it make if businesses are affected for one day? Sales will pick up the next day, and business will continue the day after that as well,” he said, responding to concerns raised by members of the trading community.
Dikshit, the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, also argued that visitors arriving in the capital for the protest would spend money during their stay. He said that if seven to 10 lakh people came to Delhi, some would buy snacks, eat at local outlets or purchase tea, water bottles and other refreshments during the four to six hours of the event.
The proposed November 1 rally is expected to draw a large crowd, with estimates cited in the report suggesting that the Opposition is targeting a turnout of around 10 lakh people. Traders, however, fear that traffic restrictions, road blockades and reduced customer footfall could cause losses of up to ₹10,000 crore during the peak Diwali shopping period.
Several trade bodies, unions and business representatives have urged Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership to reschedule the INDIA Bloc’s ‘Chalo Delhi’ march to a date after November 10, arguing that the weekend before Diwali is among the busiest periods for shopping. They have warned that holding the protest at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 could affect both wholesale and retail businesses.
Responding to the traders’ concerns, Dikshit alleged that large traders with close links to the BJP were deliberately promoting a particular narrative. He also questioned why the concerns of bigger businesses were being prioritised over those of smaller traders.
“Delhi has thousands and lakhs of small traders who could benefit from this. Their businesses will also grow. Why are you thinking only about yourselves?” he asked, pointing to businesses he claimed had close ties with the ruling establishment.
Meanwhile, according to an assessment by the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), Delhi traders have already suffered losses of around ₹3,000 crore during October because of rallies, protest marches and road blockades in Connaught Place, India Gate and central Delhi.
Dikshit’s remarks come as pressure mounts on the INDIA Bloc to reconsider the timing of its planned protest, with traders warning that any disruption could affect business during one of the most important shopping periods of the year.
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