New Delhi, October 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Delhi Drug Traders’ Association (DDTA) on Friday appealed to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to postpone the Congress rally scheduled for November 1 at Ramlila Maidan, citing concerns over the impact of protests on businesses and public life in the national Capital.
In a letter to Rahul Gandhi, DDTA Secretary Ashish Grover urged the Congress leader to reconsider the rally in view of the prevailing circumstances and concerns raised by Delhi’s trading community, particularly after the postponement of the mock Parliament programme.
“Just as the Mock Parliament scheduled to be held today has been postponed in view of certain unavoidable circumstances, I urge you to take a similar decision and postpone your proposed rally in Delhi on November 1,” Grover wrote.
The association stressed the importance of respecting constitutional institutions, noting that Parliament, the judiciary and other institutions occupy positions of significance in a democracy.
“In a democracy, Parliament, the Judiciary and other constitutional institutions have their own dignity and significance. When a matter is already under judicial consideration and the concerned parties have submitted their responses and affidavits before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, it would be more appropriate and responsible to repose faith in the judicial process rather than resort to political confrontation and public demonstrations of strength,” the letter stated.
The DDTA also raised concerns about the economic consequences of repeated protests, demonstrations and rallies, saying they disrupt commercial activities, traffic movement and public convenience across Delhi.
“The trading community of Delhi has expressed serious concern over the adverse impact of continuous protests, demonstrations and rallies on commercial activities, traffic movement, public convenience, and the livelihoods of millions of people,” the association said.
According to the DDTA, traders, shopkeepers, street vendors, small business owners and daily wage earners have already suffered considerable economic losses due to such disruptions.
The association warned that further interruptions to commercial activity during the crucial festive and wedding season could aggravate the situation and place additional pressure on businesses and workers.
While acknowledging the democratic right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, the DDTA maintained that political programmes should not impose unnecessary hardship on the public or adversely affect the city’s economy.
Drawing a parallel with the postponement of the mock Parliament programme, Grover urged Rahul Gandhi to demonstrate similar responsibility by deferring the November 1 rally.
“This is not the time for political demonstrations of strength, but an occasion to uphold democratic values, respect constitutional institutions and place the interests of millions of citizens and traders of Delhi above political considerations. I sincerely hope that you will give this appeal your positive consideration and announce the postponement of the rally in the larger interest of Delhi’s trade, employment and public life,” the letter added.
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