New Delhi: The Congress-led INDIA bloc is preparing to hold its mega rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1, despite an appeal from a traders’ organisation to postpone the event until after the festive season.

The rally, being organised under the campaign slogan “Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao”, will focus on opposition allegations of irregularities in the electoral process and concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Congress leaders have said they expect more than 10 lakh people to participate.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over Voter Lists

The INDIA bloc has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral process and alleged that large numbers of voters have been removed from electoral rolls. The opposition has also demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Election Commission has not accepted the opposition’s allegations as established wrongdoing. The claims remain a subject of political dispute.

Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal has reviewed preparations with leaders of the party’s frontal organisations and the Delhi Congress unit. The rally is expected to be a major event in the opposition’s campaign on electoral issues.

Traders Seek Postponement

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Rahul Gandhi, urging the Congress to reschedule the rally to a date after November 10. The traders’ body cited the importance of the festive shopping period around Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj.

According to the CTI, traffic restrictions and road closures linked to demonstrations in October have already caused traders losses of around ₹3,000 crore. It warned that another large gathering near Ramlila Maidan could disrupt business in surrounding wholesale and retail markets during the festive season.

Despite the appeal, the Congress is continuing preparations for the November 1 rally. Opposition leaders are also planning a symbolic “public impeachment” programme against the Chief Election Commissioner on October 30.