New Delhi, October 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the party’s proposed rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1, warning that the event could disrupt business during the crucial festive shopping season.
Khandelwal argued that demonstrations, traffic restrictions and administrative arrangements associated with large gatherings could affect traders’ livelihoods, particularly when Delhi attracts buyers from across the country for festive purchases.
He claimed that recent protests in the national Capital had caused estimated business losses of around Rs 4,000 crore, and warned that another major rally could add to the financial burden on traders.
“Sales for the entire year are one thing, while sales from October to January are another,” Khandelwal said, appealing to the Congress leadership to allow businesses to operate without disruption during the peak trading period.
Representing the concerns of Delhi’s traders, he suggested postponing the rally and considering a venue in Outer Delhi to minimise the impact on commercial activity.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has also written to Rahul Gandhi, requesting that the rally be deferred until after November 10 because of the festive shopping season.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal warned that traffic diversions, barricades and road closures could disrupt wholesale and retail markets. He estimated that the effects could extend over three to four days and potentially affect trade worth up to Rs 10,000 crore.
The organisation urged the Congress leadership to take traders’ concerns into account while deciding the rally’s schedule.
The appeals come amid concerns that disruptions to transport and market access during the festive period could affect both traders and customers. The business-loss figures cited by Khandelwal and the CTI are estimates and were not independently verified in the statements provided.
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