Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP of Forcing Shop Closures During Rally
Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of forcibly closing Delhi shops during an INDIA bloc rally, while trade leaders warned of massive economic losses.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on November 1, 2026, that the Bharatiya Janata Party forcibly shut down shops at Connaught Place in Delhi to cause financial losses to traders. Gandhi made these claims during a mega rally organized by the INDIA bloc at Ramlila Maidan, where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.
Prior to the event, Gandhi urged rally attendees to support local businesses by shopping for Diwali, Chhath, and Bhai Dooj, asserting that the opposition's program would not harm traders. However, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) warned that the rally could cause daily trade losses of Rs 10,000-12,000 crore. CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal stated that approximately 2.5 lakh shops within a five-kilometre radius were likely to close, potentially halting 80 per cent of business activity during the peak Dhanteras season.
The CTI reported severe supply chain disruptions affecting 5,000 trucks and tempos from 56 industrial areas. While the CTI sent four letters to Gandhi requesting that roads remain open to protect the livelihoods of 20 lakh traders, Goyal denied claims that the organization acts as an agent for the BJP. Gandhi countered these concerns by claiming the BJP was spreading rumors because it was scared.
