New Delhi: There is a possibility that the political rally will have an impact on the shopping during Diwali in Delhi. Traders' organization Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has appealed to the Congress to organize the proposed rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 after Diwali. The organization claims that if the traffic system is affected due to the rally, Delhi's business may suffer a loss of up to Rs 10,000 crore. CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal has written a letter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanding to extend the date of the program. A copy of the letter has also been sent to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The organization has requested him to discuss the issue with allies. Traders fear that the movement of customers in the markets may be affected due to barricading and closure of roads even before the rally.
According to CTI, Congress leaders have expressed the possibility of around 10 lakh people from across the country attending the rally. Based on this estimate, the organization says that 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles can come to Delhi. These may include 10,000 to 12,000 big buses and 5,000 to 7,000 small vehicles. The organization has raised the question where such a large number of vehicles will be parked. He claims that the authorized parking available around Ramlila Maidan does not have space for even 200 vehicles. CTI fears that due to this, there may be a traffic jam within a radius of about 10 kilometers. However, the number of people and vehicles is based on the organization's estimate.
21 major markets of Delhi may be affected
CTI has included 21 markets including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmiri Gate, Karol Bagh, Daryaganj, Paharganj, Jama Masjid and Ghaffar Market as potentially affected areas. Spices, dry fruits, electronics, jewellery, books, hardware and auto parts are traded extensively in these markets. Traders say that delivery of goods may also be halted due to disruption in vehicular movement in the narrow streets of Old Delhi. Citing the example of an event held at Jantar Mantar on October 10, the organization claimed that during that time businessmen had suffered a loss of Rs 3,000 crore due to traffic disruption. This figure has not been independently verified.
Suggestion to organize a rally after Diwali
CTI has appealed to Congress to organize the rally after November 10. According to the organisation, purchasing of clothes, jewellery, electronics and household items increases around Diwali, so disruption in access to markets at this time could result in losses to businesses. If changing the date is not possible, the organization has suggested organizing the rally at a larger venue like Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. CTI says that this can reduce the pressure on the busy markets around Ramlila Maidan. The actual loss will depend on the crowd attending the rally and the traffic restrictions in place.