Uma Bharti Sells Poha to Protest Vendor Removal in Tikamgarh
Uma Bharti protests eviction of street vendors by selling food on roadside.
Top Summary
- What happened: Former Madhya Pradesh CM Uma Bharti sold poha and jalebi from a roadside cart in Tikamgarh.
- Why it matters: The act protested the removal of street vendors during an anti-encroachment drive, highlighting concerns about livelihoods.
- What changes: Bharti urged reconsideration of the drive, advocating for the return of vendors to their original spots.
- Who is affected: Primarily, the street vendors and their families in Tikamgarh who depend on their roadside businesses for income.
Bharti's Poha Protest
A video showing veteran BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti selling poha and jalebi in Tikamgarh has gone viral.
She stated her actions were in protest against a recent anti-encroachment drive by the Tikamgarh Municipal Corporation.
The drive removed street vendors from key areas, specifically along Civil Lines Road.
Anti-Encroachment Drive Sparks Outrage
The Municipal Corporation's demolition drive on Civil Lines Road saw handcarts and kiosks cleared by officials.
Officials, including the SDM and tehsildar, cited encroachment as the reason for the action.
The removal of these vendors triggered concern among those who rely on the setups for their daily livelihood.
Bharti Takes a Stand
Uma Bharti stepped onto the streets on Tuesday to symbolically support the vendors.
She joined them by selling poha and jalebi from a cart, directly challenging the administration's actions.
She termed the administration’s action as “dictatorial.”
"Small traders work hard to sustain their families and that such drives directly affect their survival."
Demands and Warnings
Bharti urged authorities to reconsider the crackdown, saying it unfairly targets the poor.
She appealed to officials to restore the removed carts and allow vendors to continue earning in their usual spaces.
She warned that she would intensify her protest if similar actions were repeated.
Raising the Issue with Leadership
The former Union minister said she had raised the issue with senior officials.
She also spoke to the state leadership, including the Chief Minister and BJP state president.
Her goal is seeking relief for the affected vendors.
What to Watch Next
The focus will now be on whether the Tikamgarh Municipal Corporation responds to Uma Bharti's demands and if the state government intervenes to provide relief to the affected vendors. Further protests from Bharti can also be expected if the situation remains unchanged.