Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, April 7 (NationPress) - Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Uma Bharti, has voiced her disapproval of a recent demolition initiative in Tikamgarh district. She claims that this municipal effort unfairly targeted impoverished street vendors while allowing alleged encroachments by wealthier establishments to remain unchallenged.

In a demonstration of solidarity, she set up a handcart on Civil Line Road on Tuesday morning, selling ‘poha’ and ‘jalebi’. Additionally, she encouraged several small vendors who had been evicted just a day before to return and continue their business at the same spot.

This protest came in response to an anti-encroachment drive executed by the local civic body alongside the district administration on Monday, which resulted in the removal of multiple roadside shops and handcarts. Many small traders, who relied on daily sales for their income, were significantly impacted.

Upon witnessing the demolition, Bharti quickly condemned the actions as unjust. On Tuesday morning, she left her home on Civil Line Road and proceeded to the affected area, where she interacted with the vendors and motivated them to re-establish their stalls.

Bharti expressed her dismay over the situation, noting that it was unfortunate that neither the Tikamgarh Municipality nor the local Assembly constituency is represented by the Bharatiya Janata Party. She suggested that under BJP leadership, the situation could have been handled more judiciously.

She pointed out that while the pushcarts of struggling vendors were dismantled, structures belonging to influential individuals were left standing, despite violating regulations. "Reforms should begin with those in better circumstances and reach the poor last. What occurred here was the opposite," she stated.

Having been in Tikamgarh for several days, Bharti rushed to the scene upon learning of the demolition. By the time she arrived, many vendors’ carts had already been destroyed, and their goods were damaged. She characterized the action as overly harsh, asserting that it seemed to have been executed without prior notification or any rehabilitation plan.

According to Bharti, BJP councillors had previously discussed a strategy to identify new vending zones, provide basic amenities, issue formal notices, and systematically relocate the vendors. She stated that this abrupt eviction contradicted that understanding, jeopardizing their means of livelihood.

In the aftermath of her intervention, the municipal administration reportedly halted the demolition initiative. Bharti mentioned that she engaged in discussions with both officials and affected vendors. The vendors agreed to uphold cleanliness and avoid obstructing pathways, while the administration expressed willingness to explore suitable relocation options.

She underscored the significance of Civil Line Road, which links the district hospital with several government offices, asserting that any regulatory actions must consider both public convenience and the survival of small traders.

Bharti remains hopeful that the issue will be amicably resolved through collaboration between local authorities and elected representatives. She has informed state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav of the developments.