On Sunday, approximately 2.5 lakh shops in 20-25 major Delhi shopping centers remained closed. Traders reported losses amounting to 10,000–11,000 crore rupees, which occurred due to disruptions caused by the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan during the peak Diwali shopping season.
The Chairman of the Confederation of Trade and Industry (CTI), Bijesh Goyal, stated that nearly 80% of the approximately three lakh shops in the markets surrounding the rally venue were shut down. The reason cited was concerns related to traffic restrictions, overcrowding, and the expected large gathering of people.
Goyal noted that the disruption affected not only customers but also suppliers and dealers from neighboring cities of the national capital. According to him, about three to four lakh people who regularly travel to Delhi for business could not arrive, and around 5,000 vehicles, including tempos and trucks, were unable to deliver goods to the Old and Central Delhi markets.
He specified that the rally held at Ramlila Maidan impacted about 20-25 major markets in the immediate vicinity. These historic markets house approximately 300,000 shops. Based on data received in the evening from various WhatsApp groups uniting traders from different markets under the aegis of CTA (Confederation of All Indian Traders), about 80% of these shops, or roughly 250,000 out of 300,000, remained closed.
Goyal added that loading and unloading operations were disrupted, negatively affecting wholesale and retail trade during one of the busiest periods of the year. He emphasized that the movement of goods was completely halted. During the peak Diwali season, these markets collectively generate business worth about 10,000–12,000 crore rupees. Even in the shops that remained open, sales were virtually nil due to the absence of customers.
Stating losses of around 10,000–11,000 crore rupees, Goyal questioned who would compensate the business for the damage incurred. He asked: 'The question arises: who will compensate this loss, or who will compensate it—will the organizers do so?'
Goyal also pointed out that the timing of the rally exacerbated the impact on business, as Dhanteras purchases were scheduled for four days later, and traders were counting on a flow of customers and goods to meet festive demand.
Prior to the rally, traders in several major commercial hubs of Delhi had opposed the event being held at Ramlila Maidan during the peak Diwali season. They warned that traffic jams and movement restrictions could disrupt the operation of wholesale markets and affect the livelihoods of thousands of daily workers.
The Association of Parts Manufacturers (APMA), based at Kashmir Gate, stated that the rally venue could affect commercial activity within a three-kilometer radius, covering the capital's main commercial centers. APMA President Vinay Narang stated that traders were not against democratic protests but objected to the timing and location. Narang noted: 'We are not affiliated with any political party, and we are not against democratic protests. But the time and place are completely wrong. Ramlila Maidan is in the center of Asia's largest commercial zone—with major markets like Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Daryaganj, Mori Gate, and Kashmir Gate within a three-kilometer radius.'
The INDIA bloc held the rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday to protest alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the course of the Special Intensive Review (SIR). Several opposition leaders participated in the gathering, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
