In yet another incident of hawkers resorting to violence, a group of them burnt effigy of Union Minister for Urban Development Babul Supriyo and set a BJP office afire in the Minister’s constituency Asansol in Bardhaman district.
Attack BJP office
A group of hawkers, who claimed to be party supporters, took out a procession in the day and burnt the effigy of the Minister.
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They later attacked a local party office and set it on fire.
The hawkers were protesting against the eviction drive by the Railways and that they are not allowed to work on Asansol railway platform.
The hawkers claimed that they met Mr Supriyo a few days ago but he refused to help them.
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Fire fighters doused the fire at the local BJP office.
There was tension in the area and district president Nirmal Karmakar and his supporters blocked roads demanding the arrest of those involved in the incident.
Commenting on the situation, Mr Supriyo said that TMC leaders were behind the incident and they had instigated the hawkers. He added that illegal hawking cannot be allowed.
“Passengers should not be discomforted by hawkers...One has to strike the right balance between allowing hawkers to operate and help passengers have a smooth travel,” the Union Minister said.