“On the issue of the ‘Remove Hawkers’ campaign, Mamata Banerjee held a march on the streets of Kolkata, with a large number of people taking part.”

Kolkata, June 17: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee took part in a protest march on the streets of Kolkata on Wednesday against the ongoing campaign to remove street vendors (hawkers) from footpaths in the state. The march witnessed a significant presence of party workers, elected representatives, and members of the public.

According to party sources, the march began from Jerina Crossing and proceeded towards Shubha Mallick Park. Several Trinamool Congress MPs, MLAs, civic representatives, and leaders from various levels of the party were present at the event. Organisers claimed that a large number of supporters and ordinary citizens participated in the march throughout the route.

At the conclusion of the march, Mamata Banerjee, in her brief address, appealed for serious consideration of the livelihood and rehabilitation issues of hawkers. She said concerns have emerged over the future of many people who have been earning their living through roadside businesses for years, and that protecting their interests should be given priority.

It is worth noting that in recent days, the administration has carried out campaigns in various parts of the state aimed at clearing footpaths of encroachments. The government has stated that the objective of the initiative is to make movement easier for pedestrians and keep footpaths free for public use. Meanwhile, a section of affected hawkers has expressed fears of losing their livelihoods.

In view of Wednesday’s march, security arrangements were tightened in several parts of the city. According to preliminary information, the programme concluded peacefully.

The political debate over the hawker removal campaign has also been intensifying. Observers believe that in the coming days, this issue may become an even more significant topic in the state’s politics.