By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: A delegation of traders’ associations and local residents from Anand Nagar, Bhopal, met Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jeetu Patwari at his residence on Saturday and shared their grievances over proposed shop demolitions in the Govindpura Assembly constituency. Patwari assured them that the Congress party stands firmly with the citizens of Govindpura and the affected shopkeepers.
Patwari strongly condemned the orders to demolish shops that have been operating in the Anand Nagar area for the past 40–50 years, terming the action inhuman, insensitive and anti-poor. He alleged that the Mohan Yadav-led state government had issued demolition directives without dialogue, rehabilitation plans or alternative arrangements, directly threatening the livelihoods of poor and middle-class families.
Questioning the move, Patwari said it was ironic that an area which had voted for the BJP for four decades was now facing bulldozer action. He also accused the administration of discrimination in compensation, claiming that only a few influential individuals were adequately compensated, while most small traders received either nothing or token amounts of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000.
Patwari said establishing a new shop today was extremely difficult, making demolition without proper rehabilitation grossly unjust. He spoke to the Bhopal Collector, urging that no shop be removed without alternative arrangements and fair compensation.
He also directed the Bhopal District Congress president to organise protests and initiate legal steps in support of the traders, asserting that the Congress would fight this battle both on the streets and in the legislature.
