Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 18 (ANI): West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh criticised former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee for joining a protest march by hawkers, saying that she was making a “last-ditch effort” to remain in the public eye.
Speaking to reporters here, Ghosh said Banerjee was responsible for the present situation concerning hawkers and accused her for allowing encroachments on roads.
“The condition of Mamata Banerjee is such that she neither has a party, nor her workers, nor her party office. Right now, she is making a last-ditch effort to remain in the media by joining the hawkers. She is only responsible for those hawkers from whom she has taken money and allowed to sit on the roads,” Ghosh said.
He further asserted that the government was committed to easing public inconvenience by ensuring roads remain free of encroachments.
“The government will make the roads smooth and bring relief to people’s lives. Therefore, if anyone sits on roads, it will not work,” he added.
Meanwhile, Banerjee on Wednesday joined a protest march by hawkers in Dharmatala, against alleged illegal eviction.
The protest drew party members and hundreds of demonstrators.
In a post on X, the TMC informed that the protest primarily focused on the alleged illegal eviction of hawkers across West Bengal. It stated that the dignity and livelihood of the people of Bengal will be defended with unwavering resolve.
Terming the BJP “ruthless,” the TMC alleged that the party, driven solely by greed for power, will collapse.
The post read, “Our Hon’ble Chairperson Mamata Banerjee, alongside party leaders and dedicated workers, led a peaceful protest march against the illegal, unjust and deeply inhumane eviction of hawkers across Bengal. The people of Bengal have always come first.”
The latest encroachment took place on June 7, when multiple bulldozers razed makeshift shops and hawker stalls on Jadavpur Station Road. A large crowd gathered around the authorities and raised slogans against the action.
When the protests escalated, police also lathi-charged many protesters, including students and activists. A large number of central forces and state police were present at the location. Rapid Action Force personnel were also deployed. (ANI)
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