Anti-SIR Row: In a fresh letter to senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CIT) has urged him to postpone or relocate the proposed mega rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1. The traders’ body pointed out that a large gathering could disrupt business in the prominent markets, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, and Khari Baoli.
This comes a day after Gandhi, in a post on X, advised the business fraternity to seek removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
CIT Cites Large Gathering
– CTI stated that around 10 lakh people are likely to arrive in 20,000 buses, highlighting that it would choke the region
– The traders’ body pointed out that such gathering will affect the peak Diwali festive shopping
– It has advised the opposition party to shift the event to Burari or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to avoid the potential loss
– As per the letter, several markets, including Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazaar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Lahori Gate, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid, Lajpat Rai Market, and Naya Bazaar, will suffer loss due to the demonstration
Why Rally Has Been Scheduled?
Congress, along with other opposition parties, has called a mega rally against the alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission. The opposition has also sought removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and a detailed probe into the allegations. However, the poll body has maintained that the decisions taken during the SIR were as per the constitutional guidelines.
Rahul’s Suggestions To Traders
Earlier on Monday, Rahul Gandhi stated that the demonstration can stop in just “30 seconds” if Gyanesh Kumar was removed from his post. He advised the traders to seek his expulsion, adding that the protest will be discontinued if a strict action was taken.
“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,” Gandhi said in his post.