The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has written a strongly worded letter to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, expressing concern
over repeated disruptions to commercial activities in Delhi due to political rallies, protests and demonstrations over the past month. In the letter, CAIT questioned the Congress rally held at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, 2026, and the continued support extended by the Congress and other political parties to demonstrations organised by various groups during this period. The traders' body said it would wait for Rahul Gandhi's response. However, it plans to convene a national-level meeting of Delhi traders and prominent trade leaders from across the country in New Delhi after Diwali to decide its future course of action. CAIT said the issue was no longer limited to Delhi's trading community, warning that similar disruptions could affect commercial activities in other cities as well. It described the matter as a serious national issue. "The trading community of India is not so weak that it will continue to tolerate such circumstances indefinitely. The time has come to send a strong message and hold those responsible accountable," the letter stated. CAIT has also announced plans to observe a nationwide 'Dhikkar Diwas' (Day of Condemnation) over the issue. The date for the observance will be decided at the proposed national meeting in New Delhi.
CAIT Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Support For Delhi Protests
In the letter, CAIT National President B C Bhartia questioned the political and moral responsibility of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party for supporting demonstrations that, according to the traders' body, have affected business activities in the national capital during the crucial festive and wedding shopping season.
Bhartia said, “Rahul Gandhi cannot hold two contradictory positions simultaneously. On one hand, he appeals to people to purchase from local markets, while on the other, he supports political activities and demonstrations that prevent customers from reaching those very markets. This is not merely political inconsistency; it is a glaring contradiction that directly hurts the livelihoods of ordinary traders.”
Raising concerns over what he described as the selective interpretation of constitutional rights, Bhartia pointed out that Article 19(1)(a) guarantees citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression, while Article 19(1)(g) protects their right to practise any profession and carry on any trade or business.
In a sharp observation, Bhartia said, “Does Rahul Gandhi believe that the Right to Protest is superior to the Right to Trade and Earn a Livelihood? Is Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution meant only for speeches and books, or does it also protect the millions of small traders, shopkeepers, street vendors and working families whose livelihoods depend on their daily earnings? Political leaders cannot selectively invoke constitutional provisions while conveniently disregarding the rights of others.”
Bhartia also questioned who would compensate traders and working families for the financial losses allegedly caused by the demonstrations.
He said, "Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party must answer a straightforward question: Who will compensate the traders and working families for the substantial economic losses suffered due to these demonstrations? Is there any provision in the Congress Party’s political approach under which organisers and supporters of disruptive demonstrations accept responsibility for the economic damage caused by them? Or is the livelihood of ordinary citizens considered expendable whenever political parties wish to demonstrate their political strength?"
Five Questions For Rahul Gandhi
In its letter, CAIT placed five questions before Rahul Gandhi:
1. Is the Right to Protest more important than the Right to Trade and Earn a Livelihood?
2. Is it politically and morally justified to hold the commercial life of the national capital hostage? Who will compensate the affected traders for their losses?
3. How can Rahul Gandhi appeal to people to shop from local markets while supporting demonstrations that prevent customers from reaching those very markets?
4. Does the Congress Party and its political allies accept responsibility for the economic hardship caused by demonstrations that they have supported?
5. Would Rahul Gandhi accept the same kind of prolonged disruption if his own business, livelihood or daily earnings were affected?
Bhartia further said political parties must understand that Delhi is not just a venue for political demonstrations but also one of the country's major commercial and economic centres. Its markets support millions of livelihoods and contribute significantly to the national economy and government revenues.
Bhartia also said, “We expect Rahul Gandhi not merely to respond to our letter but also to introspect and ensure that such avoidable economic disruptions are not repeated. After receiving Rahul Gandhi’s response, a meeting of Delhi’s traders and prominent trade leaders from different states will be convened in New Delhi after Diwali to decide the future course of action.”
CAIT reiterated that the right to protest is an integral part of democracy and belongs to every citizen. However, it maintained that this right should not be exercised in a manner that disrupts another person's business, employment or livelihood.
