Congress plans huge Delhi rally at Ramlila Maidan amid trader backlash
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The Congress is pushing ahead with a November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, hoping to draw up to one million people while local traders warn of severe disruption and police approval remains pending.
New Delhi – The Congress party is gearing up for a rally on November 1 at Ramlila Maidan, presenting the event as a crucial test of its organisational muscle and as a stage for its campaign to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Party officials have said they are aiming for as many as one million participants, and even half that number would likely be sold as a triumph.
The rally follows a string of logistical setbacks, including the denial of permission to hold a planned "mock parliament" at the Ashok Hotel and later at the maidan itself. Police have still not granted clearance for the latter venue.
Local traders have strongly opposed the planned gathering, warning that the surge of attendees and vehicles could badly disrupt commerce during the peak festive season. They have urged the Congress to postpone the rally until after Diwali.
"We value you and have heard your concerns," Rahul Gandhi wrote in response, adding that the government had previously shut down metro services and closed roads in Delhi. He urged the Prime Minister to remove "Accused No. 4," Gyanesh Kumar, suggesting that the protest would end quickly if the demand were met.
The Congress claims that a massive crowd could help local business as visitors shop in the area, while traders insist that congestion and disruption would far outweigh any benefits. The party's General Secretary (Organisation), KC Venugopal, has been coordinating mobilisation efforts across states, with Haryana assigned the largest target for attendance.
The outcome of the rally is expected to influence the Congress's future strategy, its cohesion within the broader INDIA bloc, and plans for additional protests in other parts of the country.