News Desk: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday said the INDIA bloc would consider postponing its November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi after receiving an appeal from traders concerned about disruptions to business during the festive season.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Kharge said the Opposition alliance had received a request from Delhi’s trading community and would discuss the matter before taking a final decision. He indicated that the alliance was willing to find a solution that would address the concerns of traders while allowing the Opposition to continue raising its political issues.
“The rally is scheduled for November 1. We have received an appeal from the traders. We will think about it today or tomorrow and find a solution because what we are doing is also for the public and for them,” Kharge said, according to ANI.
The proposed rally is expected to be an important event for the INDIA bloc, with the Opposition alliance seeking to highlight its allegations of “vote theft”. The issue has emerged as a major point of political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP, with the Opposition demanding greater accountability and transparency in the electoral process.
However, the planned gathering has raised concerns among Delhi’s traders, who fear that a large political rally could affect commercial activities during one of the busiest periods of the year.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) had written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on October 24, requesting that the rally be postponed until after November 10. In its appeal, the traders’ body pointed to the upcoming celebrations of Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj, which traditionally bring a significant increase in shopping and commercial activity across the national capital.
For many businesses, the festive period is crucial for sales and revenue. Traders are concerned that traffic restrictions, security arrangements and large crowds associated with the rally could disrupt customer movement and affect business at a time when markets are expecting higher footfall.
Kharge, however, made it clear that the Opposition would not disregard the issue it intends to raise through the rally. While acknowledging the traders’ concerns, he maintained that the allegations of vote theft were serious and required public attention.
His remarks suggest that the Congress leadership is weighing the political importance of the gathering against the practical difficulties it could create for local businesses.
A final decision on whether the November 1 rally will go ahead as scheduled or be postponed is expected after discussions within the alliance. For now, the INDIA bloc has indicated that it is willing to consider the traders’ request, leaving the schedule of the proposed rally open to change.
Reader Comments 0