New Delhi: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has written to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, holding him and his party politically accountable for disruptions to commercial activity in Delhi allegedly caused by rallies, protests and demonstrations over the past month.
In its letter, CAIT raised objections to the Congress rally held on November 1, 2026, and questioned the party’s support for demonstrations organised by various groups. The traders’ body said the disruptions had affected businesses during the festive and wedding shopping season, when markets typically see increased customer activity.
CAIT National President B C Bhartia said the organisation would wait for Gandhi’s response before convening a national-level meeting of Delhi traders and prominent trade leaders from across the country after Diwali.
The meeting will decide the organisation’s next course of action, including the date for a proposed nationwide ‘Dhikkar Diwas’ or Day of Condemnation.
CAIT Questions Rahul Gandhi Over Right To Protest And Right To Trade
Bhartia argued that political leaders should consider the impact of demonstrations on traders, shopkeepers, street vendors and families dependent on daily earnings.
He pointed to the constitutional guarantees under Article 19(1)(a), which protects freedom of speech and expression, and Article 19(1)(g), which provides citizens the right to practise a profession and carry on a trade or business.
Questioning what he described as contradictory positions, Bhartia said Gandhi appeals to people to buy from local markets while supporting political activities that, according to CAIT, prevent customers from reaching those markets.
The traders’ body also asked who would compensate businesses for losses allegedly caused by the demonstrations and whether political parties supporting such protests accepted responsibility for the economic consequences.
Five Questions Put Before Congress Leader
CAIT said its letter raises five key questions for Gandhi:
- Whether the right to protest should take precedence over the right to trade and earn a livelihood.
- Whether prolonged disruption of commercial activity in the national capital is politically and morally justified, and who should compensate affected traders.
- How appeals to shop locally can be reconciled with support for demonstrations that allegedly restrict access to markets.
- Whether the Congress and its political allies accept responsibility for the economic hardship caused by demonstrations they support.
- Whether Gandhi would accept similar disruption if his own business or daily livelihood were affected.
Bhartia said Delhi was not merely a venue for political demonstrations but also a major commercial centre supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing to the country’s economy.
Traders’ Body Says Issue Goes Beyond Delhi
CAIT said the matter should be treated as a national concern, arguing that disruptions affecting traders in Delhi could potentially be repeated in other cities.
The organisation maintained that the right to protest is an important part of democracy but should not come at the cost of another citizen’s business or livelihood.
It said the proposed nationwide ‘Dhikkar Diwas’ would express the trading community’s opposition to demonstrations that, in its view, paralyse commercial activity.
CAIT has not announced a date for the observance. It said the decision would be taken at the national meeting planned after Diwali, after the organisation receives Gandhi’s response.
