Politics
17 Jun, 2026
Mamata stages unscheduled protest march against hawker eviction in Kolkata
Business To Business, Kolkata, 17th June, 2026: Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday led an unscheduled protest march in central Kolkata against the eviction of hawkers, arguing that roadside vendors should be rehabilitated before any removal drive is undertaken.
The surprise demonstration took place in the Esplanade area, one of Kolkata's busiest commercial hubs. Banerjee reportedly did not inform the administration in advance about her plans, making the march an unexpected political event.
Accompanied by senior Trinamool Congress leaders, including Kunal Ghosh and Dola Sen, Banerjee's sudden appearance attracted large crowds of supporters, hawkers, and onlookers.
The TMC supremo maintained that:
- Hawkers and small vendors depend on street trading for their livelihoods.
- Any eviction drive should be preceded by proper rehabilitation and alternative arrangements.
- Authorities must balance urban management requirements with the economic interests of vulnerable sections of society.
Her remarks appeared aimed at protecting the interests of thousands of informal-sector workers who operate roadside stalls across Kolkata.
The protest comes amid ongoing debates over the regulation of street vending, pedestrian movement, traffic congestion, and urban planning in Kolkata. Authorities have periodically undertaken drives to clear encroachments and unauthorized roadside structures in various parts of the city.
Banerjee's intervention signals that the issue of hawker rehabilitation is likely to remain a politically sensitive subject in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has traditionally enjoyed significant support among small traders and informal-sector workers, making the matter important both socially and politically.
The march also highlighted the continuing debate between urban development initiatives and livelihood concerns, with Banerjee emphasizing that displacement should not occur without providing affected vendors with viable alternatives.