Traders warn of Rs 10,000 crore loss if Rahul Gandhi's rally proceeds on Nov 1

Several major wholesale and retail markets within a five-kilometre radius of the Ramlila Maidan, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar and Kashmere Gate, could see a sharp drop in footfall if the scheduled rally on November 1 goes ahead, traders said. They estimate potential business losses of around Rs 10,000 crore and warn of traffic congestion in the area. The Confederation of Trade and Industry (CTI) has asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the event until after Diwali. Gandhi responded to the request with a brief comment lasting about 30 seconds, declining to change the rally date. The India bloc has announced a protest at the venue on the same day, adding to concerns about crowd management and commercial impact.