India

Delhi Traders Report 10,000‑11,000 Crore Loss After 2.5 Lakh Shops Shut During INDIA Bloc Rally

By Ayush Pandey

New Delhi – Traders in Delhi say they suffered losses of ₹10,000‑11,000 crore after about 2.5 lakh shops in 20 to 25 major markets were closed on Sunday. The closures were attributed to the INDIA bloc rally held at Ramlila Maidan during the peak Diwali shopping season.

Brijesh Goyal, chairman of the Chamber of Trade & Industry (CTI), said that roughly 80 % of the approximately 300,000 shops in markets surrounding the rally venue remained shut. He noted that the rally caused traffic restrictions, congestion and a large influx of crowds, which disrupted the movement of customers, suppliers and dealers from towns around the national capital.

Goyal estimated that between 300,000 and 400,000 people who normally travel to Delhi for business did not arrive, and that about 5,000 vehicles, including tempos and trucks, were unable to transport goods to markets in Old Delhi and Central Delhi.

"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," Goyal said.

He questioned who would compensate traders for the losses, asking whether the rally organisers would do so.

Traders had warned before the rally that holding the protest during the Diwali shopping rush could disrupt wholesale markets and affect the livelihoods of thousands of daily‑wage workers. The Automotive Parts Merchant Association (APMA) at Kashmere Gate said the rally’s location could affect commercial activity within a three‑kilometre radius, covering major trading hubs such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Daryaganj, Mori Gate and Kashmere Gate.

Vinay Narang, APMA president, stated that traders were not opposed to democratic protests but objected to the timing and venue.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in a video message posted on X, urged participants to support local businesses by shopping from small stores during the festive season. He said, "Protest, march, hold rallies, and along with that, do a little shopping too – it will benefit the traders."

The INDIA bloc held the rally at Ramlila Maidan to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging irregularities. Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav attended the gathering, chanting slogans demanding accountability over alleged electoral irregularities.