Protest intensifies over vendor evictions
Evicted street vendors in Bengaluru escalated their protest on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, demanding immediate rehabilitation from the state government. The demonstration, organized by the Beedhi Vyaparigala Janti Horata Samiti, saw participation from numerous vendors who shared accounts of hardship following their removal from footpaths across the city.
Vendors narrate personal struggles
Several vendors described the loss of their primary source of income and the difficulty in supporting their families. One vendor, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "We have been selling on these streets for decades. Overnight, we were told to leave without any alternative arrangement. Our livelihoods are destroyed." The protest also drew support from multiple Dalit organizations, which extended solidarity to the vendors.
Demands for rehabilitation and policy change
The Samiti has called on the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the state government to provide alternative vending zones, financial compensation, and a clear rehabilitation policy. According to the organizers, over 2,000 vendors have been affected by recent eviction drives. They warned of larger agitations if their demands are not met within a week.
Government response awaited
As of now, no official statement has been issued by the BBMP or the Karnataka government regarding the protest. The vendors have threatened to block major traffic junctions if no action is taken. The protest highlights the ongoing conflict between urban beautification efforts and the rights of informal workers in Bengaluru.
