Rahul Gandhi urges rally-goers to shop at Delhi businesses

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged people attending the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally in Delhi to shop at local businesses during the festive season, saying the political gathering would not harm traders. His appeal came after a traders’ association asked party leaders to postpone or relocate the event over concerns about congestion and access to markets. In a video message released on October 31, Gandhi encouraged people travelling to the capital to buy goods from small shops while taking part in the march and rally. He referred to the approaching festivals of Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj and said purchases by visitors would benefit local traders. Gandhi also rejected claims that the rally would damage businesses and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading rumours. The INDIA bloc has planned the rally at Ramlila Maidan as part of its protest against alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The event is scheduled for November 1, with a march proposed from Minto Road to the venue. The rally’s possible effect on markets remains prospective in the reports, which do not establish whether disruption or business losses occurred....