The Trinamool Congress staged protests in Kolkata against the BJP government in West Bengal over alleged forced eviction of hawkers and demolition drives. Senior leaders including Kunal Ghosh and Madan Mitra participated in demonstrations near Howrah, Sealdah and Ballygunge stations. TMC accused the government of promoting “bulldozer culture” and demanded rehabilitation before any eviction. The protests come amid BJP’s anti-encroachment campaign and are being viewed as TMC’s attempt to revive its traditional street mobilisation politics after moving to the opposition.
Background of the Protests
The Trinamool Congress has been vocal against what it terms the BJP government's heavy-handed approach in dealing with street vendors. The party claims that the demolition drives are being carried out without proper notice or rehabilitation plans, leaving thousands of hawkers without livelihoods. The protests near major railway stations like Howrah, Sealdah, and Ballygunge were strategically chosen to draw maximum attention to the issue.
Key Demands of TMC
- Immediate halt to forced evictions until a proper rehabilitation policy is in place.
- Compensation for hawkers who have lost their vending spots.
- Alternative spaces designated for street vendors to continue their business.
The BJP government, however, maintains that the anti-encroachment drives are necessary to clear public spaces and ensure smooth traffic flow. They argue that hawkers have been given ample time to vacate and that the demolition is only targeting illegal structures.
Political Implications
These protests are seen as a significant move by the TMC to reassert its presence on the streets after being relegated to the opposition. The party, which once dominated West Bengal politics, is now trying to mobilise public sentiment against the BJP's policies. The issue of hawker eviction resonates with a large section of the urban poor, who often rely on street vending for their daily income.
Reactions from Both Sides
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh stated, “The BJP government is destroying the livelihoods of poor hawkers without any compassion. We demand that the government stop this bulldozer culture and provide proper rehabilitation.” Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya countered, “The TMC is only trying to create chaos. The government is acting within the law to clear encroachments that have been a menace for years.”
The protests are expected to continue, with TMC planning larger demonstrations in the coming days. The party is also exploring legal avenues to challenge the eviction drives in court. As the political battle intensifies, the fate of thousands of hawkers hangs in the balance.
