Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday staged a protest against the civic body's decision to shut down weekly roadside vegetable markets, a move the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has justified, citing traffic congestion and related issues.
Political Opposition and Allegations
The decision has drawn political opposition beyond Sena (UBT), with a section of BJP functionaries also objecting to the move, warning that it would inconvenience people and deprive poor vendors of their livelihoods.
Sena (UBT) politician Ambadas Danve alleged that the closure of weekly markets is aimed at transferring the land parcels used by vendors to private builders. He accused the BJP-led municipal administration of acting in the interest of real estate developers rather than the public. "The decision is unjust to common people and small vendors. The municipal corporation administration — currently in control of BJP — has taken this step solely to benefit builders," Danve said.
Protest and Public Support
During the protest, Sena (UBT) functionaries and party office-bearers interacted with vegetable vendors and small traders, many of whom expressed support for the agitation. Protesters raised slogans such as "Save the employment of the poor; keep the weekly market open" and "Do not jeopardize the livelihoods of the people," along with sharper chants like "Down with the Municipal Corporation!" and "Do not hand over public land to builders!"
Mayor Sameer Rajurkar could not be reached for comment.
