Pics: Savitha B R
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (PS/CN)
 
Mangalore, Jun 19: After an extended protest carried out by like-minded unions against ‘Operation Tiger’ went in vain, the Street Vendors Association alleged to the media that they have now found out that eviction of street vendors is nothing but a game plan of the BJP (in Mangalore city corporation) to evict all minority community vendors from the central market area and pave the way for vendors of majority community.

“This plot has been undertaken under the leadership of Sudheer Shetty and other BJP corporators have joined him as per the direction of Sangha Parivar,” alleged M G Hegde, JD(S) state general secretary at a press conference held on Saturday June 18. He added that that this was not an authorized decision taken by the MCC.

“The vendors who supported BJP were not evicted. It’s a plot to hand over all business from the hands of minority people to Bajrang Dal supporters. BJP, as its routine practice, is again using mayor Praveen to attack the minorities,” said Hegde. He added that the mayor had also expressed his helplessness at this.
 
Hegde said that informed that a complaint will be lodged with the governor and the home minister about this.
 
He revealed to the media the future course of action in the matter. “On Monday June 20 at 10.30 am a severe protest will be staged in Kannur which is the constituency of Sudheer Shetty, whip in Mangalore City Corporation. Already a complaint has been sent to Mayor and Commissioner for contempt of the Supreme Court which said street vending is part of civil society and no forcible action can be taken,” Hegde added.
 
Hegde also demanded that information be provided as to what happened to 12 cylinders and dress materials worth Rs 15,000 which were seized by the MCC officers during Tiger. Sunil Kumar Bajal, secretary, action committee, former mayor K Ashraf, corporators Mariamma Thomas and Appi were present at the press meet.