DELHI TRADERS ALLEGE MASSIVE FESTIVE-SEASON LOSSES AS 2.5 LAKH SHOPS SHUT DURING INDIA BLOC RALLY

November 2, 2026

NEW DELHI: Delhi's commercial sector reportedly suffered estimated business losses of ₹10,000–11,000 crore following the INDIA bloc's mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, November 1, with traders claiming that approximately 2.5 lakh shops across 20–25 major markets remained closed during the peak Diwali shopping season.

Brijesh Goyal, chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), stated that nearly 80 per cent of approximately three lakh shops in markets surrounding the rally venue remained shut amid concerns over traffic congestion, security arrangements and the anticipated movement of large crowds.

According to Goyal, the disruption affected the movement of customers, suppliers and wholesale dealers from neighbouring towns. Approximately three to four lakh regular business visitors reportedly did not arrive in the capital, while nearly 5,000 vehicles, including tempos and trucks, were unable to transport goods to commercial centres in Old Delhi and Central Delhi.

Major trading hubs, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Daryaganj and Karol Bagh, were among the areas reportedly affected. Traders claimed that loading, unloading and transportation activities were severely disrupted, creating additional difficulties for businesses preparing for the upcoming Dhanteras and Diwali celebrations.

The CTI chairman questioned who would compensate traders for the estimated financial losses. Traders had previously expressed objections to holding the political gathering at Ramlila Maidan during the peak festive shopping period, arguing that the location could disrupt commercial activities across surrounding markets.

Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc organised the rally to protest alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, attended the gathering.

Rahul Gandhi alleged that shops in parts of Delhi had been forcibly closed and appealed to rally participants to support local businesses through shopping. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, meanwhile, disputed the traders' assessment, claiming that business activity had remained strong.

The controversy has brought attention to the economic consequences of large-scale political gatherings in densely populated commercial districts, particularly during important festive trading periods. The financial losses cited by traders remain estimates provided by their trade association and have not been independently established.