📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Himanshu Arya Khowal
Politics
Rahul Gandhi Urges Delhi Rally Attendees to Shop Locally Amid Traders' Call to Delay November 1 Protest
✍️ NDTV Top
🗓 01 Nov 2026, 06:17 AM
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During a rally at Ramlila Maidan, Rahul Gandhi told supporters to patronise Delhi markets, while traders urged the INDIA bloc to postpone the planned November 1 demonstration.
Delhi, Nov 1 (NDTV) – Speaking to a crowd gathered at Ramlila Maidan, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to the assembled supporters to shop at local Delhi markets. Gandhi said that buying from city traders would boost the economy and demonstrate the party’s commitment to everyday citizens.
His remarks came as a coalition of Delhi traders, representing various market segments, publicly asked the INDIA bloc to defer the scheduled rally on November 1, citing concerns over potential disruption to commercial activity. The traders’ statement highlighted fears that a large political gathering could affect footfall and sales in the city’s bustling bazaars.
Gandhi acknowledged the traders’ concerns but maintained that the rally was essential to voice opposition to the government’s policies. He reiterated that the protest would be peaceful and that participants could simultaneously support local businesses by purchasing goods before or after the event.
The exchange underscores the tension between political mobilisation and commercial interests in the capital, with both sides seeking a balance that respects democratic expression while safeguarding economic activity.
His remarks came as a coalition of Delhi traders, representing various market segments, publicly asked the INDIA bloc to defer the scheduled rally on November 1, citing concerns over potential disruption to commercial activity. The traders’ statement highlighted fears that a large political gathering could affect footfall and sales in the city’s bustling bazaars.
Gandhi acknowledged the traders’ concerns but maintained that the rally was essential to voice opposition to the government’s policies. He reiterated that the protest would be peaceful and that participants could simultaneously support local businesses by purchasing goods before or after the event.
The exchange underscores the tension between political mobilisation and commercial interests in the capital, with both sides seeking a balance that respects democratic expression while safeguarding economic activity.