Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has urged participants attending the INDIA bloc’s Sunday mega Ramlila Maidan rally to actively support local shopkeepers by making festive purchases
across Delhi markets. Addressing mounting concerns raised by business associations over potential economic disruptions, Gandhi emphasised that the massive demonstration will financially benefit traders rather than hurt their festive sales.
The Congress leader’s call comes amid warnings from trade bodies regarding traffic congestion and market slowdowns ahead of Diwali. Reassuring the commercial community, Gandhi asked hundreds of thousands of marchers to buy directly from local markets on the day of the protest.
नमस्कार,
कल लाखों लोग रामलीला मार्च के लिए दिल्ली आ रहे हैं।
त्यौहारों का मौसम है। दिवाली, छठ, भाईदूज का समय है। मैं चाहता हूं जो लाखों लोग बाहर से दिल्ली आ रहे हैं, वो यहां के व्यापारियों की मदद करें।
प्रोटेस्ट, मार्च, रैली कीजिए, साथ में थोड़ी सी खरीदारी भी कीजिए – व्यापारियों का फायदा हो जाएगा।
मैं जानता हूं व्यापारियों को रैली नुकसान नहीं पहुंचाएगी। BJP डरी हुई है इसलिए अफवाह फैला रही है।
मगर, दोनों काम करते हैं।
कल मार्च होगा, रैली होगी और लाखों लोग हमारे व्यापारियों की छोटी-छोटी दुकानों में से सामान खरीदेंगे।
आप सबको बहुत-बहुत प्यार।
शुभ दिवाली। जय हिंद।Tomorrow, lakhs of people are coming to Delhi for the Ramlila March.
It is the festive season. Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj are here. I want the lakhs of people coming to Delhi from different parts of the country to support the local traders here.
Tomorrow, along with protesting, marching and attending the rally, do a little shopping too. It will help our local traders.
I know that our rally will not hurt the traders. The BJP is spreading rumours because it is scared.
But let’s do both.
Tomorrow, there will be a march, there will be a rally, and lakhs of people will also buy things from the small shops of our local traders.
Much love to all of you.
Happy Diwali. Jai Hind.— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 31, 2026
Tensions Rise Over Festive Season Market Losses
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) had previously voiced sharp objections over the timing and venue of the demonstration. Representing major commercial hubs including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Karol Bagh, and Chawri Bazar, the business body expressed fears that a large-scale political gathering could cripple local movement and result in heavy revenue losses during peak festival shopping.
Traders pointed out that thousands of buses and private vehicles transporting marchers could choke narrow lanes in Old Delhi, requesting political leaders to defer the demonstration or shift the venue to alternate locations outside commercial hubs.
Countering ‘Disinformation’ and Blaming Government Restrictions
Responding directly to the trader community’s anxieties, Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of deliberately spreading rumours to create panic among shopkeepers. He maintained that the opposition alliance deeply respects small businesses and that peaceful public assembly should naturally coexist with daily economic activity.
Gandhi further blamed government authorities for previous market disruptions, alleging that arbitrary road closures, barricading, and Metro station shutdowns enforced during political movements were the primary cause of public inconvenience. He reiterated that the opposition’s campaign is aimed at protecting broader democratic integrity, which ultimately safeguards the financial security of small business owners.
High-Stakes Rally Sets Stage for Capital Showdown
The demonstration forms part of the INDIA bloc’s nationwide campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of electoral roll irregularities. The opposition coalition has stood firm on holding the demonstration despite repeated appeals from market bodies to reschedule.
By encouraging rally attendees to convert their presence into a festive shopping drive, Gandhi aims to diffuse economic friction while maintaining the momentum of the opposition’s street campaign. With security arrangements tightened across Central and Old Delhi, the capital braces for a tense intersection of political mobilisation and festive retail activity.
