Raut Calls Modi, Shah ‘Two Traders’ Ahead of INDIA Bloc’s Delhi March

NEW DELHI, Nov 2: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, describing them as the country’s “only two traders” while dismissing concerns that the INDIA bloc’s proposed Delhi rally could disrupt commercial activities in the national capital.

Speaking to a news agency ahead of the opposition’s ‘Chalo Delhi’ mobilisation, Raut maintained that local traders had little reason to worry about the programme. He claimed that Modi and Shah were the only two people facing business losses and said such consequences were acceptable if the movement affected them.

Raut asserted that lakhs of people were making their way to Delhi despite alleged attempts to prevent their participation. He said restrictions and barricades would not weaken the mobilisation but could instead encourage more people to join it.

Describing the proposed gathering as a reflection of public sentiment, the Rajya Sabha MP said the movement was not about strengthening any particular political party but represented a broader demand for political change.

He also launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the constitutional body of functioning under pressure from the ruling establishment. Raut alleged that independent institutions had compromised their authority and warned that the opposition would resist any attempt to turn the poll panel into an extension of the ruling party.

The INDIA bloc has been seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns over the functioning and independence of the electoral machinery.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader S T Hasan expressed confidence that the opposition programme could become a landmark political event, provided the authorities did not create obstacles. Speaking in Moradabad, he claimed that questions were increasingly being raised internationally about India’s electoral credibility and democratic functioning.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had also appealed to people travelling to Delhi to support local businesses. In a video message shared on X on Saturday, he encouraged visitors to shop from neighbourhood traders ahead of Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj, arguing that the opposition’s programme would not adversely affect their livelihoods.

There are significant differences between the crowd estimates released by the organisers and the police. While the INDIA bloc has indicated that attendance could reach 10 lakh, Delhi Police has estimated a gathering of approximately 50,000 people. The venue has an estimated capacity of 45,000 to 50,000 when it is empty.

Several prominent opposition leaders are expected to participate, including Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Tejashwi Yadav and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

However, different accounts have emerged regarding the programme’s schedule and starting point. One version indicates that MPs will assemble at the Constitution Club at 11 am before proceeding towards Ramlila Maidan, while another mentions a noon start from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction.

In view of the expected gathering, Delhi Traffic Police has announced restrictions and traffic diversions across several parts of Central Delhi between 10 am and 5 pm. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative routes to avoid congestion.