With tensions threatening to disrupt daily operations and impact local supply chains, MLA Sriganesh Narayanan stepped in. He held separate meetings with both sides to hear them out.
Hyderabad: What began as a parking dispute at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar vegetable market yard has now snowballed into a full-blown row involving traders, market officials and even local MLA Sriganesh. Over the past three days, tempers have flared at the cantonment’s wholesale vegetable market, with commission agents and market committee members accusing each other of high-handedness, personal vendetta and illegal practices.
A security guard reportedly stopped Soma Devender Reddy, president of the Secunderabad Vegetable Commission Agents’ Association, from parking his vehicle outside the market office – something he claimed he had been doing for years. The guard cited instructions from the market’s chairman and secretary, leading to a heated exchange.
In the days that followed, what could have been brushed off as a misunderstanding spiralled into legelling of mutual allegations. While traders allege the committee was misusing its power, market officials claimed some agents are violating agricultural laws and misusing their licences.
Ragiri Anand Babu, chairman of the Bowenpally Market Committee, which oversees the Ambedkar yard, alleged that at least 174 shops were operating in violation of norms. “We are simply enforcing the law,” he said. “Only 4 per cent commission is permitted on farmer produce, not 10 per cent. If that is being charged, licences will come under scrutiny,” he remarked.
Anand Babu also pointed out that several traders, instead of operating under their own names, were allowing outsiders to run businesses under partnership arrangements – a practice he called “completely against market rules”.
But Devender Reddy disagreed. He said the current committee is targeting individuals. “My father traded in Monda Market for five decades, and I have been in this trade for over 45 years. Never have we seen a committee behave in this manner,” he said. “Our association contributes around `9 crore to the market every year. Why are we being harassed instead of supported?”
With tensions threatening to disrupt daily operations and impact local supply chains, MLA Sriganesh Narayanan stepped in. He held separate meetings with both sides to hear them out.
“This market is the lifeline of the Cantonment. We cannot allow personal disputes to affect traders or the public,” the MLA told Deccan Chronicle. “The committee and the association are both vital. Everyone must do their duty and resolve issues without police cases or fights.” For now, the market remains open – but the atmosphere is uneasy. Many vendors are hoping the matter will be resolved quickly before it begins to affect business.
