Delhi's trading community has claimed massive financial losses following the INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) Chairman Brijesh Goyal alleged that around 2.5 lakh shops remained closed across 20 to 25 major markets near the rally venue. According to him, these markets have nearly three lakh shops in total, meaning approximately 80 per cent of businesses were affected. Goyal estimated the overall business loss at ₹10,000–11,000 crore, claiming that the rally disrupted customer movement as well as the transportation, loading and unloading of goods. He said the impact was particularly severe because the markets were witnessing peak Diwali-season business.

Traders Blame Traffic Disruptions and Poor Timing
Goyal said traders had shut their establishments amid concerns over the expected arrival of a large number of rally participants and vehicles. Even shops that remained open reportedly witnessed very little business due to the absence of customers. He questioned who would compensate traders for the financial damage caused by the disruption. Meanwhile, members of the Automotive Parts Merchant Association (APMA), based at Kashmere Gate, also raised concerns over the rally's timing and location. APMA President Vinay Narang said Ramlila Maidan is surrounded by major commercial centres, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Daryaganj, Mori Gate and Kashmere Gate. He warned that traffic congestion could affect wholesale businesses and create financial difficulties for thousands of daily-wage workers.

INDIA Bloc Rally Targets Electoral Roll Revision
The INDIA bloc organised the rally at Ramlila Maidan to protest against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Several prominent Opposition leaders attended the gathering, including Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Traders clarified that they were not opposed to democratic protests but objected to holding a large political event in the middle of Delhi's major commercial area during the festive shopping season. APMA representatives also urged the administration to consider the concerns of businesses and workers. The traders' loss figures are estimates and claims made by their representatives.