New Delhi: Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti was seen selling poha and jalebi on the street in Tikamgarh on Tuesday. The event has gone viral, and responding to the same the veteran BJP leader said that her act was against the administration’s anti-encroachment drive against roadside eateries.
Just a few days ago, a joint drive was carried out along Civil Line Road from where several handcarts and small kiosks were removed by the officials, including the SDM and tehsildar. The action caused concerns among the local vendors as many of them relied on these roadside carts for their daily livelihood.
‘Dictatorial action’
Bharti protested the call and stepped onto the streets to join the vendors, asking them to set up their stalls back in the same place.
She called the administration’s action “dictatorial”, urging authorities to reconsider the move. The former Madhya Pradesh CM adds that they should have first provided the vendors with alternative space instead of just depriving them of their livelihood.
The veteran BJP leader adds that the vendors work really hard to sustain their families and such drives are unfair to them. Bharti even appealed to the officials to restore the setups and allow the vendors to continue earning till an alternative setup.
Call to intensify protest
Bharti didn’t just stop there. She warned that she would further intensify the protest if action is repeated. The former CM said that she has raised the issue with the senior officials and state leadership, including the Chief Minister and the BJP‘s state president, as she seeks relief for the affected vendors.