Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Eviction Campaign Against Street Vendors in West Bengal

Kolkata, May 27: Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress and former Chief Minister, has strongly condemned the eviction campaigns against street vendors initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal.

In a social media post, Banerjee expressed her anger and deep sadness over the treatment of street vendors.

On the occasion of International Street Vendor Day, she stated that the BJP government has oppressed vendors since taking power, demolishing their stalls and disregarding their hardships. “Those who perpetrate such atrocities will surely face consequences. I have stood with you, I stand with you now, and I always will,” she affirmed.

Banerjee highlighted that International Street Vendor Day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of informal sector street vendors and small traders, who are the backbone of local economies.

She referenced the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act of 2014, designed to protect vendors from arbitrary eviction, and cited several Supreme Court rulings that acknowledge their constitutional rights under Articles 19(1)(g) and 21.

She argued that the goal of a well-planned city should be to integrate vendors into urban systems through structured municipal markets rather than evicting them.

Banerjee reiterated that this day is primarily dedicated to acknowledging the contributions of informal sector street vendors and small traders, who are essential to the local economy. Street hawkers symbolize the grassroots economy, connecting the daily needs of the public to mass production systems while delivering essential goods at affordable prices. However, maintaining a delicate balance between this arrangement and urban planning is crucial.

She further stated that the sudden or arbitrary infringement of the right to livelihood without review or alternative arrangements violates Article 21 (right to life and livelihood) of the Constitution. The management of vendors’ rights should be handled through democratic structures like the Town Vending Committee (TVC), ensuring that vendors’ perspectives are included in urban planning.

–