Didi Slams Hawkers' Eviction by BJP Govt in WB

Kolkata: Voicing her anguish against the rampant hawkers' eviction through the use of bulldozers by the BJP government after the change in power in West Bengal, Trinamul Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday condemned the erratic drive and sought an alternative remedy.

She posted in her social media handles, “My congratulations to my hardworking brothers and sisters on the occasion of the International Hawkers’ Day. I also express my sympathy to them. I'm surprised, anguished and pained to see the way the BJP has been unleashing atrocities on them, demolishing their stalls and evicting them immediately after coming to power without caring for their tears.”

Ms Banerjee added, “The attackers will definitely get a reply. I was, am and will be with you. This day is dedicated to those sellers, hawkers and small traders who work as a spine of the local economy. They symbolise the economy at the grassroot level.” Referring to several court cases, verdicts and a law on the hawkers in the past, she also underlined that an ideal and well-planned city’s aim should not be their eviction.

“A sudden and whimsical eviction without providing an alternative or conducting a survey of right to livelihood violates Article 21. The control system should follow a democratic way like the Town Vending Committee for the hawkers’ rights so that their opinion is reflected in the town planning,” the former chief minister stated.