INDIA Bloc Meets to Plan Nov 1 Rally Amid Traders' Warning of Huge Losses
The INDIA bloc meets to plan the 'Save Votes, Save the Nation' rally as traders warn of a 10,000 crore loss during the festive season.
The INDIA bloc is convening a high-level meeting today to strategize for a massive rally scheduled for November 1, 2026, at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. This gathering, under the banner of the 'Save Votes, Save the Nation' campaign, is designed to protest alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists and to push for a return to ballot papers over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The Political Agenda: Saving the Vote
Presided over by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the discussions focus on the logistics and objectives of the upcoming protest. The alliance is positioning this rally as a critical stand for electoral integrity, calling upon a wide spectrum of society to join the cause. Rahul Gandhi has specifically urged students, farmers, workers, and the youth to turn out in large numbers to voice their concerns over the democratic process.
The Traders' Dilemma: A 10,000 Crore Risk
However, the political momentum is facing a significant hurdle from the business community. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has stepped in with a formal appeal to Rahul Gandhi, requesting a postponement of the event. Brijesh Goyal, Chairman of the CTI, has urged the leadership to move the rally until after the Bhai Dooj festival on November 10, 2026.
The traders' concerns are rooted in the timing of the event, which coincides with the peak of the festive season. The CTI warns that a massive gathering and the resulting disruptions could lead to business losses estimated at a staggering 10,000 crore rupees. They pointed out that previous events and road closures in October have already cost the business community approximately 3,000 crore rupees.
Critical Festive Dates at Stake
The business community highlighted that the window between the rally date and Bhai Dooj includes some of the most commercially vital days of the year, including:
- Dhanteras: November 6
- Diwali: November 8
The Balancing Act: Police Permission vs. Public Appeal
Adding to the complexity is the fact that the Delhi Police has already issued an official No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the rally to take place within the window of October 25 to November 3, 2026. This gives the INDIA bloc the legal green light to proceed as planned.
Despite the official permission, Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed that the party is not ignoring the business community. He stated that the party is currently reviewing the memorandum submitted by the CTI. Kharge noted that the INDIA bloc will consult with its alliance partners to determine the final course of action, attempting to balance the alliance's urgent political goals with the economic concerns of the traders.