Rahul Gandhi urges rally participants to shop from Delhi traders
The Congress leader asked people attending the INDIA bloc rally to support small businesses during the festive season.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged people attending the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday to shop from local stores. He encouraged those visiting the capital to support small businesses during the festive period.
In a video message on X, Gandhi stated that the gathering would not harm traders. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading rumours regarding the economic impact of the event.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha suggested that people should participate in the march and also purchase goods to benefit local shopkeepers. He also extended Diwali greetings to the public.
The appeal follows concerns from the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) and the Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association. These groups had requested that the November 1 rally be postponed until after the festive season.
The CTI warned that 10 lakh participants and up to 20,000 vehicles could cause traffic gridlock in central Delhi. The Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association noted that the period from Dhanteras to Diwali sees a turnover of approximately Rs 25,000 crore.
The rally was held against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Protesters at the venue raised slogans regarding alleged electoral irregularities.