Koramangala markets shut down as street vendors protest eviction drive

Street vendors in Koramangala and other major commercial areas across Bengaluru shut down their businesses on Wednesday to protest the Karnataka government's ongoing footpath clearance drive. The strike, called the "Bengaluru Street Vendors Bandh," culminated in a massive demonstration at Freedom Park, where vendors demanded an immediate halt to what they termed "illegal" evictions.

Organised under the banner of the Beedhi Vyaparigala Janti Horata Samiti, the market shutdown affected key commercial hubs including Koramangala, KR Market, Gandhi Bazaar, Malleshwaram, Vijayanagar, Banashankari, Jayanagar, Shivajinagar, and Gandhinagar.

During the protest, a delegation from the joint action committee met with Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao to submit a charter of demands. Rao reportedly assured the delegation that he would consult with Bengaluru Development Minister Krishne Byre Gowda and convene a formal meeting with vendor representatives in the coming days to address their concerns.

The protesting vendors are demanding an immediate stop to the eviction drives and the reinstatement of all vendors who have been displaced from their spots since July 1. The committee suggested that where vendors are found to be obstructing footpaths, they should be temporarily accommodated along the same road until the Town Vending Committee (TVC) makes a final decision.

Additionally, the vendors are seeking the immediate return of seized goods and financial compensation for merchandise destroyed or vending carts damaged during the clearance drives.

The joint forum also highlighted the need for a fresh, comprehensive survey to cover vendors excluded from the 2024 survey. They urged authorities to issue vending certificates and identity cards using any valid Karnataka-issued identity document, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or driving licence, rather than making a ration card mandatory.

Rather than evicting vendors, the organisations proposed that the government widen footpaths to accommodate both pedestrians and traders. They also called for action against other footpath encroachments, such as illegal vehicle parking, private gardens, transformers, and commercial establishments.

The forum warned that if the government continues the clearance drives without holding discussions, they will escalate their agitation and launch statewide protests.