Delhi traders have asked Congress to postpone or relocate its proposed November 1, 2026 rally at Ramlila Maidan, warning that road closures and congestion could disrupt access to 21 wholesale and retail markets during the festive shopping season.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chamber of Trade and Industry wants the rally postponed until November 10 or moved away from commercial areas.
  • The traders’ body says barricades and road closures could affect customers on October 31 and November 1.
  • The group has suggested Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as alternatives.

Why Delhi traders want the rally moved

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) wrote to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a postponement until November 10, after Bhai Dooj, or a change of venue. CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said a copy was also sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with a request to discuss the issue with alliance partners.

The markets identified by CTI as potentially affected include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli and Bhagirath Palace. Goyal said traders were concerned that possible barricading and road closures could prevent customers from reaching shops during a crucial shopping period.

Parking and congestion concerns

Congress has claimed the rally could draw 10 lakh people, or 1 million. CTI estimated that a gathering of that size could bring 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles into Delhi, including 10,000 to 12,000 buses. Those figures are projections, not confirmed attendance or vehicle counts.

The traders’ body questioned where the vehicles would park and said Old Delhi’s narrow lanes could become congested. It projected business losses of up to ₹10,000 crore if commercial activity across the area came to a standstill.

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