NEW DELHI: Around 2.5 lakh shops across 20 to 25 major markets in Delhi remained closed on Sunday, with traders claiming losses of Rs 10,000-11,000 crore due to disruptions caused by the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan during the peak Diwali shopping season.Chamber of Trade & Industry (CTI) chairman Brijesh Goyal said nearly 80% of the approximately three lakh shops in markets surrounding the rally venue remained shut amid concerns over traffic restrictions, congestion and the expected arrival of large crowds.The disruption also affected the movement of customers, suppliers and dealers from towns surrounding the national capital. According to Goyal, around three lakh to four lakh people who regularly travel to Delhi for business did not arrive, while approximately 5,000 vehicles, including tempos and trucks, could not transport goods to markets in Old Delhi and Central Delhi.“Due to the rally held at Ramlila Maidan today, about 20 to 25 major markets in the vicinity were affected. These historic markets house approximately 3,00,000 shops. Based on data we received this evening from various WhatsApp groups—comprising traders from different markets under the CTA (Confederation of All India Traders)—about 80% of these shops—roughly 2,50,000 out of 3,00,000—remained closed today,” he said.Goyal added that loading and unloading operations were disrupted, affecting wholesale and retail businesses during one of the busiest periods of the year.“The movement of goods—loading and unloading—was completely disrupted. During the peak Diwali season, these markets with individual turnovers collectively generate business worth approximately 10,000 to 12,000 crore rupees. Even where shops remained open, sales were virtually non-existent; there were simply no customers,” he said.Putting the estimated losses at Rs 10,000-11,000 crore, Goyal questioned who would compensate traders for the business disruption.“The question now arises: who will compensate for this loss, or who will make up for it—will the organisers do so?” he said.He said the timing of the rally had compounded the impact, as traders were preparing for the festive rush ahead of Dhanteras, scheduled four days later. Businesses in the affected markets depend heavily on the movement of customers and goods during this period.
Traders had warned of business losses ahead of rally
Ahead of the gathering, traders across several major commercial hubs in Delhi had opposed holding the rally at Ramlila Maidan during the peak Diwali shopping season. They warned that traffic congestion and restrictions could disrupt wholesale markets and affect the livelihoods of thousands of daily-wage workers.The Automotive Parts Merchant Association (APMA), based at Kashmere Gate, said the rally’s location could affect commercial activity across a three-kilometre radius, covering several major trading hubs in the capital.APMA president Vinay Narang said traders were not opposed to democratic protests but objected to the timing and choice of venue.“We are not aligned with any political party, nor are we against democratic protests. But the timing and the venue are completely wrong. Ramlila Maidan is located in the middle of Asia’s largest commercial zone—with major markets like Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Daryaganj, Mori Gate, and Kashmere Gate within a three-kilometre radius,” Narang said.
Rahul’s video appeal for participants to shop from local traders
Amid concerns raised by traders’ associations, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had appealed to people travelling to Delhi for the rally to support local businesses by shopping from their stores during the festive season.In a video message posted on X on Saturday, Gandhi urged participants to combine their participation in the protest with shopping from small businesses.“Tomorrow, lakhs of people are coming to Delhi for the Ramlila March. It is the festive season. The time of Diwali, Chhath, and Bhai Dooj has arrived. I want those lakhs of people coming to Delhi from outside to support the traders here,” Gandhi said.“Protest, march, hold rallies, and along with that, do a little shopping too – it will benefit the traders,” he added.The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha also accused the BJP of spreading rumours about the rally’s potential economic impact.“I know the rally will not harm the traders. The BJP is scared, that’s why it’s spreading rumours,” he said, adding, “But let’s do both. Tomorrow there will be a march, there will be a rally, and lakhs of people will buy goods from the small shops of our traders.”
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INDIA bloc holds rally against SIR, alleged electoral irregularities
The INDIA bloc held the rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging irregularities in the exercise.Several Opposition leaders attended the gathering, including Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Protesters also raised slogans such as “Vote chor, gaddi chhod”, demanding accountability over alleged electoral irregularities.
✍️ Vikrant Kharwar
Vikrant Kharwar is the Founder and Editor of News Us Media. He writes about trending news, sports, entertainment, technology, and viral stories. His goal is to make news simple, informative, and easy to understand for readers across the United States and around the world.
