A political controversy has intensified over the impact of the INDIA alliance rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on local businesses during the festive shopping season. Traders had repeatedly written to Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and other opposition leaders, requesting that the rally be postponed until after Diwali. Despite these appeals, the rally went ahead, while the BJP also organised a protest march in Hari Nagar. A ground report by ABP News found that several major markets, including Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan and Sadar Bazaar, witnessed lower-than-usual customer footfall on the day. Some traders said sales remained at normal levels rather than rising as expected during the festive season. However, a Connaught Place representative rejected allegations that shops had been forcibly closed, calling the claims baseless and saying no such instructions had been issued by the authorities. The BJP blamed Rahul Gandhi and the Congress for the reported business losses, with one leader citing a traders' association letter and claiming losses of ₹12,000 crore. The controversy has also highlighted that the BJP's march in Hari Nagar reportedly affected nearby businesses. Although shops remained open in several areas, traders said the expected festive crowds did not arrive.