Street Vendors in Udaipur Angry with UMC's Eviction Tactics, Announce Protest on July 10 to Fight for Livelihood

Udaipur- The cart vendors in Udaipur city are grappling with persistent challenges as the Udaipur Municipal Corporation continues its controversial actions.

Recently, officials and employees, appearing to act under political pressure, attempted to remove encroachments in Malla Talai. When these efforts were thwarted by the concerned BJP councillor, their frustration was taken out on the street vendors of Hospital Road, leading to unlawful evictions and confiscation of carts.

At a meeting organized by the Street Vendors' Union at Shirali Bhavan, Union President Mohammad Nizam and CITU District President Rajesh Singhvi highlighted the plight of these vendors.

Singhvi condemned the BJP-led board of the Municipal Corporation for fostering a lawless environment, specifically targeting the vulnerable street vendors and poor citizens of Udaipur.

He cited a Civil Judge’s ruling from September 12, 2023, which directed the Municipal Corporation and the District Collector to refrain from evicting street vendors without due process.

Despite this legal protection, the BJP board continues its oppressive actions, depriving the vendors of their livelihood. Singhvi warned that the public would remember these injustices in the upcoming municipal elections, asserting that the vendors would not support BJP.

Former councilor Najma Mewaf Ros criticized BJP, calling it a party of capitalists, criminals, and brokers that has deceived the public to gain power.

She stated that the people of Udaipur will fight against BJP in the elections and oust those who have displaced street vendors. Najma pointed out that the Municipal Corporation is attempting to relocate vegetable and fruit sellers from Mukherjee Chowk Market under the pretext of shifting them inside the market.

However, the interior lacks the facilities for their business to thrive. She mentioned the impracticality of moving elderly women, aged 60 to 80, to the first floor, which also involves additional costs for transporting goods, ultimately burdening the public. She highlighted issues like inadequate lighting and sanitation, vowing to resist such decisions through unity and struggle.

CITU Secretary Heeralal Salvi emphasized CITU's proud history of defending the employment and dignity of street vendors in Udaipur. He assured that they would strengthen their unity and organization to face and overcome every challenge.

Rani Mali, Secretary of the All India Democratic Women's Association, questioned BJP leaders' claims of religious righteousness when they seek votes, asking if displacing the poor is their true religion. She asserted that the public cannot be misled in the name of religion indefinitely.

Referring to the Ayodhya public’s defeat of BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, she predicted a similar outcome in Udaipur's municipal elections, with street vendors uniting to oust BJP from power. She warned the BJP board of the Udaipur Municipal Corporation not to underestimate the power of women.

Union President Mohammad Nizam stated that the BJP board aims to turn the vegetable market into a highway, while the existing conditions at Mukherjee Chowk are better than most markets in the country. He argued that some people are trying to impose their whims on the public, which will not be accepted.

Union Vice President Mohini Mali urged the BJP board not to play with the fire of hunger of the poor, warning that this fire, when it reaches the brain, cannot be contained even by the police. She emphasized that their calm and simplicity should not be mistaken for weakness.

Union Secretary Mohammad Shahid declared their readiness to make any sacrifice to protect their livelihood and dignity, questioning the value of development that leaves families starving. He accused the Udaipur city administration of destroying the city in the name of development.

Executive Committee member Ramavatar Vaishnav affirmed their solidarity, stating that they are like a family and will collectively face any adversity affecting any member.

Other speakers at the meeting included Pakeeza Bano, Lakshmi Narayan Sen, Abdul Rashid, Suresh Ajmera, Bhagwat Singh, Raisa, Naseem, and Zenam.

The meeting concluded with a decision to stage a protest at the District Collector's office in Udaipur on July 10, demanding an end to the eviction of street vendors, adherence to the Street Vendors Act, and allowing vegetable and fruit sellers at Mukherjee Chowk to continue their business as usual.