New Delhi, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has launched a poster campaign across major markets in Delhi, urging the INDIA Bloc to cancel its proposed ‘Chalo Delhi’ rally at Ramlila Maidan, citing the potential disruption to business during the peak Diwali shopping season.
The traders’ body said posters would be displayed in 20 wholesale markets within a five-kilometre radius of the rally venue. It has appealed to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, asking him to consider the concerns of traders whose livelihoods depend on festive-season sales.
In its appeal, the CTI drew a parallel with Gandhi’s ‘shops of love’ expression, saying businesses also operate on the basis of mutual trust and affection between traders and customers. It urged the INDIA Bloc not to put commercial activity at risk for a political rally just days before Dhanteras.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said the campaign aimed to draw attention to the possible impact of traffic restrictions and congestion around Ramlila Maidan. He cited traditional businesses in Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli and Sadar Bazaar, including food outlets, spice traders, bangle and bindi sellers and clothing shops.
Goyal said each shop supported the livelihoods of around 10 to 20 people. He expressed concern that the arrival of a large crowd and an estimated 20,000 vehicles could cause traffic disruption across central Delhi.
The markets covered by the campaign include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Naya Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmiri Gate, Daryaganj, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Nabi Karim, Paharganj, Ajmeri Gate, Lahori Gate, Janpath, Palika Bazaar, Ballimaran and Kinari Bazaar.
The CTI claimed that festive-season business involving around two million traders and the livelihoods of 7.5 million people dependent on these markets could be affected if restrictions were imposed.
The concerns and potential impact cited by the traders’ body have not been independently assessed in the information provided.
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