Politics has intensified regarding the widening of Dalmandi Market of Varanasi. Akhilesh Yadav accused BJP of snatching livelihood, while the government assured compensation. Businessmen, development and politics have come face to face.
Dalmandi, spread in the old streets of Varanasi, is not only the largest wholesale market of Purvanchal, but is also an important part of the economy and daily life there. In such a situation, ever since the process of widening started here, the concerns of traders started increasing and politics also started heating up at the same pace. Amidst the narrow streets and old shops, the question now is at whose expense and for whom the development will happen.
Akhilesh Yadav’s attack on BJP
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav on Friday launched a scathing attack on BJP on the Dalmandi widening issue. Calling it a “political project” of the government, he alleged that traders have been troubled by government decisions for the last several years.
Akhilesh said in the press conference that this scheme has not been made to save heritage but for political gains. He said that BJP could not win the elections from that market, hence now it is putting the livelihood there in danger.
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‘Politics of divide and rule is being played’
Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav alleged that BJP is adopting the policy of divide and rule in the name of Dalmandi. He said that BJP is talking about widening with a narrow mind, while the wishes of the local traders are not included in it.
He raised the question that when people are not ready then how can someone’s livelihood be snatched away. He said that if the government wants, it can give another shop as compensation, but it will not be able to give the customer back.
Yogi government’s counterattack
On the other hand, Ravindra Jaiswal, a minister in the Yogi government, rejected Akhilesh Yadav’s allegations and said that the Muslims of Banaras are supporting expansion and want development. The opposition is only misleading them. Jaiswal clearly said that the government does not intend to uproot anyone, rather just compensation and financial assistance will be provided. He warned the opposition not to do unnecessary politics on Dalmandi and stop provoking the communities.
He also raised the issue of widening and demolition in Sunderpur, Chitaipur, Lanka and Bhojubeer during the Akhilesh government in 2012 and sought answers. The issue of Dalmandi widening has now become a confluence of development, livelihood and politics. Traders’ concerns, government plans and opposition’s allegations may make this dispute even more complicated in the coming days.
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