Members of the Karnataka Raithara Mathu Vyaparigala Okkoota are opposing the eviction of vegetable vendors from the age-old Krishnarajapuram market (santhe), where a multi-storeyed shopping complex is proposed to be built.
Wearing sackcloth, the members, including farmers and vendors, poured out their woes at a press conference here on Friday.
Okkoota president Ele Srinivas V. said the 250-year-old santhe in Krishnarajapuram was the source of livelihood for over 2,000 families. “Farmers from neighbouring villages sell their vegetables through the vendors in the market. The santhe helps them get a good price for their produce. At the same time, the public will get vegetables at reasonable rates as middlemen are eliminated,” he said.
He alleged that vested interests are trying to grab the land by evicting the vendors. A blue print for the construction of a multi-storeyed complex is getting ready. “We have protested this move several times. In response, false cases were booked against us. Although they promise the santhe will not be removed, preparation of a blue print has put the farmers/vendors in a quandary,” he said. The okkoota alleged the local elected representative was also behind the move to acquire the land for the shopping complex.
