Delhi traders claim Rs 12,000 crore loss after INDIA bloc rally
The Chamber of Trade and Industry estimated massive commercial disruptions across major markets during the festive shopping period.
The INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 caused significant disruptions across central Delhi, leading to heavy traffic and commercial losses, according to India TV. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) reported that approximately 2.5 lakh of 3 lakh shops across 25 major wholesale and retail markets were either closed or heavily impacted during the peak festive period ahead of Diwali.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal told ANI that these markets collectively conduct business worth around Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore every day. Goyal estimated that total losses could reach between Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 12,000 crore as business came to a standstill. He noted that nearly 80 per cent of shops in markets surrounding the venue remained closed due to traffic restrictions and crowd concerns.
Prominent markets affected included Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, and Kashmiri Gate, according to India TV. The Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh also expressed concern that the event affected customer movement and the livelihoods of traders, workers, and transporters.
The CTI reportedly wrote four separate letters to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on October 24, October 27, October 28, and November 1, requesting the rally be postponed or the venue changed. CTI Vice President Rahul Adlakha told ANI that traders from outside Delhi cancelled visits because of the restrictions.
Rahul Gandhi claimed in a post that the BJP had forcibly shut down every shop in Connaught Place. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised the timing of the rally, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah targeted Gandhi regarding the rally's date.