Rally Casts a Shadow on Diwali Shopping; Delhi Sees a Loss of ₹10,000 Crore

Following the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has reported a business loss of ₹10,000 to ₹11,000 crore. Find out how many shops remained closed and which markets were affected.

Delhi’s markets are typically bustling ahead of Diwali. Shopkeepers look forward to the festive season, expecting a surge in sales that provides a significant boost to their annual business. However, it is reported that business in several major markets across the capital has been adversely affected this time.

According to the traders' organization CTI, business in approximately 20 to 25 markets across Old and Central Delhi came to a near-standstill due to the INDIA bloc rally held at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. The organization claims that this resulted in a loss of roughly ₹10,000 to ₹11,000 crore for the traders.

How many shops remained closed?

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal stated that there are about 3 lakh shops in the vicinity of Ramlila Maidan. Of these, nearly 80 percent—approximately 2.5 lakh shops—remained closed on the day of the rally. Traders explained that, anticipating a massive influx of people and vehicles for the event, many shopkeepers decided to keep their establishments shut. In some markets, shops remained open, but saw very few customers.

Which markets were affected?

According to traders, the area surrounding Ramlila Maidan houses several major wholesale and retail markets in Old and Central Delhi. These include areas such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Kashmiri Gate, Chawri Bazar, Daryaganj, Paharganj, Mori Gate, Connaught Place, and Gaffar Market.

These markets serve as hubs for the supply of goods not only across Delhi-NCR but also to other states. In this situation, traders state that the closure of shops and the disruption to traffic have not only affected the sales of shopkeepers but have also impacted the supply of goods and the earnings of daily wage workers.

Impact on the movement of 5,000 vehicles

The CTI (Chamber of Trade and Industry) claims that approximately 5,000 trucks and tempos transport goods daily from Delhi’s industrial areas to these markets. Additionally, around 3,000 vehicles carry goods from these markets to destinations across Delhi-NCR and other cities.

According to the traders' association, the rally has hindered the loading and unloading of goods, as well as the movement of vehicles. Disruptions to the supply chain ahead of the festive season could result in losses for the traders.

Delhi traders did not want the rally held before Diwali

Delhi traders had expressed concerns regarding the timing and venue of the rally well in advance. They pointed out that the period leading up to Dhanteras and Diwali is a crucial time for business in the markets. Consequently, a large-scale rally at Ramlila Maidan could disrupt traffic and the flow of customers in the surrounding markets.

The CTI had appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA bloc to either reschedule the rally for after Diwali or change the venue. The association had suggested that the rally be held on November 10–11 (or later), or alternatively, be moved to Burari Maidan.