Delhi traders have urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the November 1 rally, warning of potential losses of Rs 10,000 croreThe Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the party’s proposed November 1 rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, warning that it could disrupt business across 21 major wholesale and retail markets during the peak festive shopping season and cause losses of up to Rs 10,000 crore.The traders’ body has asked Congress to defer the rally until November 10, after Bhai Dooj, or shift it to an alternative venue away from commercial areas. The Congress has claimed that the rally could draw 10 lakh people.In a letter to Rahul Gandhi, a copy of which was also sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal raised concerns about possible barricading and road closures on October 31 and November 1. He said traders were worried about whether customers would be able to reach shops during the crucial festive period, news agency PTI reported.10 lakh people, up to 20,000 vehiclesAccording to the CTI, a gathering of 10 lakh people could bring between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles into Delhi. These could include 10,000 to 12,000 buses and 5,000 to 7,000 smaller vehicles, such as cars, minibuses and tempo travellers.The organisation questioned where these vehicles would be parked, claiming there was no authorised parking facility for even 200 vehicles in the immediate vicinity of Ramlila Maidan.It also warned that congestion could spill into the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, many of which are only 10 to 12 feet wide. A single truck getting stuck in these lanes could trigger traffic jams lasting several hours, it said.21 markets at riskThe CTI identified 21 markets that could be affected by the rally, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Bhagirath Palace, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, Daryaganj, Paharganj, Jama Masjid and Lajpat Rai Market.The body cited the October 10 event at Jantar Mantar, claiming that a gathering of around 3,000 to 4,000 people had disrupted movement across central Delhi and caused traders losses of Rs 3,000 crore.It projected that the November 1 rally could bring commercial activity across Old Delhi to a standstill, with losses potentially reaching Rs 10,000 crore.The CTI has proposed Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as alternative venues if the rally cannot be postponed. It has urged the Congress leadership to consider the concerns of traders and minimise disruption to business during the festive season.'We hear you': Rahul GandhiCongress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed solidarity with Delhi’s traders, alleging that government restrictions had disrupted business by shutting metro services, sealing roads and locking down the capital.Linking the disruption to his allegations of “vote chori”, Rahul demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sack Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom he referred to as “Accused No. 4”.“To every trader in Delhi: We love you and hear you. The Govt shut the metro, sealed our roads and locked down our capital. With a stolen vote nothing is safe - your shop, your savings, your children’s future. Tell Modi to sack accused no. 4, Gyanesh Kumar and the protests will stop in 30 seconds,” Rahul said.Traders reported losses after Oct 10 protestDelhi traders sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention over losses allegedly caused by the October 10 protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding compensation from those responsible for the disruption.The Automotive Parts Merchants Association (Regd.), Delhi, said customers stayed away from markets for four to five days before and after the protest call, resulting in heavy business losses.The association had said October, November and December were crucial for traders because of the festive season, including Navratri, Dhanteras and Diwali. It warned that repeated disruptions during this period could threaten the livelihoods of shopkeepers and their employees.Join conversationShare your thoughts in the commentsBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe trade body called for a transparent assessment of the losses and sought full compensation from the principal organisers and participants responsible for the disruption, arguing that traders should not bear the financial burden.It said shop earnings were used to support traders’ families and employees, pay rent, fund children’s education and cover medical expenses for elderly parents.The association also flagged the absence of basic emergency arrangements, including ambulances, fire services and first aid, at protests, warning that such gaps could lead to serious accidents.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.