Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP Over Connaught Place Shop Closures
Rahul Gandhi alleged BJP forced Connaught Place shops shut during the INDIA bloc rally, causing losses and contradicting his appeal to support local traders.
The Cliff News | 1 November 2026
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the ruling party was responsible for the forced closure of shops in Delhi's prominent Connaught Place. The closures allegedly occurred on the day of the INDIA bloc's significant 'Chalo Delhi' march and mega rally at Ramlila Maidan, resulting in financial detriment to local traders.
Gandhi, serving as the Leader of the Opposition, asserted that these closures directly contradicted his efforts to encourage rally attendees to patronize the capital's businesses. He highlighted that upon reaching Connaught Place, participants found shops shut, leading to a missed opportunity for commerce.
Allegations of Forced Closures
Addressing the situation on X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi stated,
We told everyone that when you come here for the march and the mega rally, buy things, do some shopping. But, while coming to Connaught Place here, we found out that the BJP has forcibly shut down every single shop. So, you should know who is causing the loss to the traders, and how it's happening!
These remarks followed an earlier appeal made by Gandhi in a video message on X. He had urged people traveling to Delhi from across the country to support small businesses, particularly during the ongoing festive season, which includes Diwali, Chhath, and Bhai Dooj.
Support for Local Traders Urged
In his video message released late Saturday, Gandhi had said,
Tomorrow, lakhs of people are coming to Delhi for the Ramlila March. It is the festive season. The time of Diwali, Chhath, and Bhai Dooj has arrived. I want those lakhs of people coming to Delhi from outside to support the traders here.
He further encouraged a dual focus for attendees:
Protest, march, hold rallies, and along with that, do a little shopping too - it will benefit the traders.
Gandhi also dismissed concerns that the rally itself might negatively impact businesses. He accused the BJP of deliberately spreading rumors to create apprehension about the event's economic consequences.
Trader Associations' Concerns
The Congress leader's appeal for patronage came amidst objections raised by several traders' associations. These groups had previously urged Rahul Gandhi and Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi to postpone the November 1 demonstration until after the conclusion of the festive period.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) had issued a warning, estimating that the convergence of approximately 10 lakh participants and an influx of 15,000-20,000 vehicles could lead to severe congestion in central Delhi. The traders' body had stated,
We demand to reschedule the mega-rally of 1 million (10 lakh) people, planned for November 1, to a date after Diwali; lack of parking for 15,000–20,000 vehicles could lead to a total gridlock, akin to a lockdown.
Similarly, the Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association highlighted the potential disruption to peak festive business. This period, from Dhanteras to Diwali, is estimated to generate a turnover of around Rs 25,000 crore. The association had also requested the rally's postponement until after November 10.
'Chalo Delhi' March and Rally
Thousands of supporters and prominent opposition leaders convened in the national capital on Sunday for the INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Delhi' protest march and mega rally. The event necessitated heightened security measures and resulted in traffic restrictions across significant parts of central Delhi.
Notable leaders who participated in the procession included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. They commenced their procession after departing from the Constitution Club.
Carrying banners with slogans such as 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' (Save Votes, Save Country), the opposition leaders are protesting alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The INDIA bloc has also formally demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged large-scale omissions of voters.