New Delhi: The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) on Wednesday sought a 20-minute meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss traders' concerns
over the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. The traders' body has urged the opposition to postpone the rally, saying it could disrupt business during the festive season ahead of Diwali. In a letter to Gandhi, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said representatives from 20 markets wanted to explain how the rally, which is expected to draw 10 lakh people, could affect business. This is the second time in four days that CTI has written to Gandhi, asking him to postpone the rally until after Diwali. In its first letter, sent on October 24, the traders' body said postponing the event would help protect business during one of the busiest periods of the year. In Wednesday's letter, Goyal said, "We don't want a fight; we want dialogue. Rahul ji himself says that he listens to everyone, listens to the voice of small traders. So, we traders from 20 markets are asking him for 20 minutes. This will be the beauty of democracy." Goyal said the traders would withdraw their protest if Gandhi convinced them that the rally would help businesses and bring in more customers. However, if the traders convince him that the event would lead to losses, he should postpone it until after Diwali, the CTI chairman said. The markets represented by CTI include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate and Daryaganj. Other markets include Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Naya Bazar, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid-Meena Bazar and Lajpat Rai Market. According to CTI, these markets are located within a 1- to 5-km radius of Ramlila Maidan and could face business disruptions because of the rally. The INDIA bloc rally aims to increase pressure on the government over the opposition's "vote chori" allegations. The opposition is also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. On October 12, opposition leaders, including Gandhi, activists and civil society members took part in a 'March for Democracy' in Delhi to protest against alleged vote theft. The march proceeded along a heavily barricaded route towards the Supreme Court, where opposition leaders filed a joint petition against the SIR. The following day, Gandhi hosted INDIA bloc leaders for tea at his residence. After the meeting, the opposition alliance vowed to continue its campaign and take the fight to its logical conclusion.
