Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to take to the streets of Kolkata once again, this time protesting against the ongoing hawker eviction drive in the city. The party has called for a protest meeting at Esplanade on Wednesday.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that hawkers across the city are facing undue harassment and that eviction drives are being carried out unjustly. The protest, party leaders say, is aimed at voicing opposition to what they describe as oppressive actions and standing in support of the livelihoods of common people. Hawkers have also been urged to participate in large numbers.
Framing the issue as one of livelihood and humanitarian concern rather than merely a political matter, the party emphasised the importance of protecting those who depend on roadside businesses for survival. According to TMC leaders, many families have relied on such means of income for years, and eviction would have a direct and widespread economic impact.
A section of the party leadership has claimed that the eviction drive has triggered fear and uncertainty among hawkers, particularly those who have long operated on footpaths and roadsides. In this context, the Esplanade meeting is also being seen as a show of organisational strength.
Political observers note that the TMC has recently adopted a strategy of organising street protests on various issues concerning the state. The hawker eviction issue, they suggest, carries added political significance, as hawkers constitute a substantial vote bank in urban areas.
Mamata has previously spoken out against the eviction drive, alleging that structures were being demolished in an authoritarian manner without allowing affected individuals to present their case or seek legal recourse. She has argued that in instances of minor irregularities, the law permits fines or penalties rather than outright demolition. According to Mamata, the current administration is bypassing such provisions and taking unilateral decisions.
Against this backdrop, Wednesday’s protest is expected to highlight both the political and social dimensions of the issue, as the TMC seeks to mobilise support and amplify concerns over the impact of eviction drives on vulnerable sections of society.
Follow us
