Who Hurt Delhi Traders? Rahul Gandhi Points Finger at BJP Over Rally-Day Closures
Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of forcing shops in Delhi's Connaught Place to shut during the INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Delhi' rally, alleging that the closures caused financial losses to local traders. His remarks come amid objections from several traders' associations over the rally's timing during the crucial festive shopping season.
India Bloc Rally: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday of causing financial harm to local traders. He claimed that shops in Delhi's Connaught Place were forced to close during the opposition INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Delhi' march and large rally at Ramlila Maidan. Gandhi said he had encouraged rally participants to support the local economy by shopping in the capital, but they found the market closed when they arrived.
In a post on X, Gandhi said: "We told everyone to buy things and do some shopping when they came here for the march and rally. But when we reached Connaught Place, we discovered that the BJP had forcibly closed every single shop. So now you know who is really causing losses to the traders!"
हमने सब लोगों से कहा कि जब आप मार्च और महारैली के लिए यहां आएंगे, चीजें खरीदें, खरीदारी करें। मगर, यहां Connaught Place में आते हुए हमें पता लगा कि BJP ने सारी की सारी दुकानें जबरदस्ती बंद करवा दी। तो traders का नुकसान कौन कर रहा है, कैसे हो रहा है, यह आप जान लीजिए! https://t.co/zeB9kT05xO
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 1, 2026
His comments followed a video message released late on Saturday, in which he urged visitors to support local businesses during the busy festive season, which includes Diwali, Chhath, and Bhai Dooj. He reassured people that the demonstration would not harm trade, accusing the BJP of spreading rumours to scare business owners.
However, several business groups had previously voiced strong objections to the timing of the protest. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) had urged Congress leaders to postpone the event until after the festive period, warning that an influx of one million people and up to 20,000 vehicles would cause severe traffic gridlock. Similarly, the Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association asked for the rally to be delayed until after 10 November, noting that the period leading up to Diwali generates roughly Rs 25,000 crore in sales.
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Despite these concerns, thousands of supporters and key opposition figures gathered in central Delhi on Sunday, leading to heavy security and traffic diversions. High-profile leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Hemant Soren, and Tejashwi Yadav, marched together from the Constitution Club.
Carrying banners reading "Save Votes, Save the Nation", opposition leaders protested against alleged errors in the voter rolls and requested the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over claims that voters were wrongly left off the electoral register.