Dilip Ghosh dismisses Mamata Banerjee’s hawker protest as political theater

Ghosh asserted that the former Chief Minister’s involvement is a calculated maneuver to capture media attention, arguing that she previously enabled the street occupations she now defends. According to the minister, the state government remains firm in its commitment to clear public thoroughfares, stating that any attempts to obstruct road access will not be tolerated. He maintained that clearing these areas is essential to providing relief to residents.

The conflict centers on the recent eviction of vendors at Jadavpur Station Road on June 7, where authorities deployed bulldozers to raze stalls. The operation sparked intense clashes, leading to police lathi-charges against activists and students. While the TMC characterizes these actions as inhumane and illegal, labeling the BJP as power-hungry, the state government continues to emphasize the necessity of these clearances to maintain public order and mobility.