Massive Anti-Modi Rally Planned in Delhi; Rahul Gandhi Urges Supporters to Shop Locally

The Congress-led INDIA alliance, India’s main opposition coalition, is set to organise a major rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Sunday, November 1. Organisers are expecting hundreds of thousands of people to attend.

Alongside the political programme, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged supporters to support local businesses by shopping at nearby markets and stores before or after attending the rally.

The rally has raised concerns among some Delhi business groups because it is being held during preparations for the Diwali festival. Some traders fear that the political event could negatively affect business activities.

Several business organisations had reportedly urged the Congress-led INDIA alliance to postpone its political programme until after the festival.

In response, Rahul Gandhi appealed to supporters to combine their participation in the rally with local shopping.

In a post on social media platform X on Saturday night, October 31, he urged people to participate in the protest, march and rally while also purchasing goods from local businesses.

He said such purchases would benefit local traders and help protect their businesses from any potential losses.

Rahul Gandhi also alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was spreading rumours about the possible economic impact of the rally.

He further encouraged people from different parts of the country to travel to Delhi, participate in the demonstration and support local shopkeepers by purchasing their products.

According to a report by Indian news outlet NDTV, a traders’ organisation had appealed to the INDIA alliance to suspend its political activities until Diwali.

Rahul Gandhi’s appeal came just hours after that request.

He expressed hope that supporters would not only participate in the political demonstration but also visit small local shops and markets, helping traders benefit from the large gathering.