Former CM Manik Sarkar and CPI(M) Leaders Visit Agartala’s Lake Chaumuhani Market After Municipal Demolition Drive

Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, along with other CPI(M) leaders, visited Agartala’s Lake Chaumuhani Market on Friday, following the demolition of over 100 illegal shops by the Agartala Municipal Corporation. The demolition, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, aimed to clear encroachments and address long-standing issues of illegal alcohol stalls, unauthorised transactions, and public health hazards caused by waste dumping in nearby canals.

During the visit, Sarkar expressed concern over the impact of the drive on small traders and street vendors, many of whom lost their livelihoods. He criticised the BJP-led municipal corporation for not providing adequate rehabilitation measures for the affected parties. “While removing illegal structures is necessary, the government must ensure that small traders are not left helpless. They should be given alternative spaces to continue their businesses,” Sarkar stated.

The CPI(M) leaders also highlighted the alleged politicisation of the demolition drive, accusing the ruling party of targeting specific groups while ignoring larger issues of corruption and mismanagement. They called for a more transparent and inclusive approach to urban development, ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders, especially the poor and marginalised, are protected.

This visit comes after Mayor Deepak Majumdar inspected the site and defended the demolition, stating that it was necessary to modernise the market and address public health concerns. He assured that the municipal corporation would work to provide legal business opportunities to affected traders within a month.

The contrasting narratives between the ruling BJP and the opposition CPI(M) have brought the issue into the political spotlight, with both sides accusing each other of neglecting the welfare of the people. As the debate continues, the focus remains on finding a balanced solution that ensures development while safeguarding the livelihoods of small traders.