'We don't want a fight': Delhi traders' body writes to Rahul again over Nov 1 rally

Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi (File photo)

NEW DELHI: A Delhi traders' body on Wednesday wrote another letter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to postpone the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan until after Diwali over fears that the gathering could disrupt business in several major markets.The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), which has raised concerns about the rally's impact on festive sales, also sought a 20-minute meeting with Gandhi to explain why traders want the event deferred.In the letter, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said representatives of 20 markets wanted an opportunity to put forward their concerns about the rally, which is expected to draw around 10 lakh people."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' body also proposed that it would withdraw its protest if Gandhi could convince its representatives that the rally would bring more customers and boost business. However, if traders were able to convince him that the event would result in losses, they wanted him to agree to postpone it until after Diwali.

Wednesday's letter was the second sent by CTI to Gandhi within four days. The organisation had first approached the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha on October 24, seeking postponement of the rally to prevent disruptions during one of the busiest periods for Delhi's markets.According to CTI, at least 20 markets within a 1-5 km radius of Ramlila Maidan could be affected by the expected turnout.The markets include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate and Daryaganj.Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Naya Bazar, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid-Meena Bazar and Lajpat Rai Market are also among the commercial areas identified by the traders' body.The concerns come as the INDIA bloc prepares for a major show of strength in the national capital over alleged "vote chori" and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The opposition alliance has called the November 1 rally to step up pressure on the government and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.The rally follows a series of demonstrations by opposition parties over the electoral-roll revision exercise.On October 12, opposition leaders, including Gandhi, joined activists and civil society members in a 'March for Democracy' along a heavily barricaded route near the Supreme Court in Delhi. A joint petition challenging the SIR was also filed.A day later, Gandhi hosted INDIA bloc leaders for tea at his residence. Following the meeting, the opposition alliance vowed to continue its campaign and take the fight to its logical conclusion.