Pune:Â Kondhwa Street Vendors Win Space After 26-Day Peaceful ProtestÂ
Pune:Â Kondhwa Street Vendors Win Space After 26-Day Peaceful ProtestÂ
Pune: After nearly a month-long peaceful protest, vegetable and street vendors in Kondhwa have won the right to set up their stalls at designated locations, thanks to the efforts of social activist Aslam Bagwan and his Incredible Samajsevak Group.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has allocated spaces behind Sheetal Pump and at the Ota Market in front of Kumar Prithvi Society for the vendors. The breakthrough came during a meeting on July 17 between PMC officials, Aslam Bagwan, and vendor representatives, marking the end of a 26-day struggle filled with protests and negotiations.
The movement drew support from social groups, NGOs like Masoom Sanstha, political parties including the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and local citizens. Authorities from Kondhwa Police Station, Ramtekdi Division, and PMC’s encroachment and property departments also cooperated in resolving the issue.
A Struggle for Dignity
The conflict began on June 28 when vendors at the weekly market faced eviction drives allegedly carried out without adherence to court orders. Vendors reported intimidation, false promises, and seizure of their goods, raising concerns over violations of constitutional rights and Supreme Court rulings.
In response, Aslam Bagwan launched a non-violent Satyagraha inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Ambedkar, Phule, and other social reformers. Despite facing severe hardships, the vendors stood united, maintaining peace and discipline throughout the protest.
Their perseverance finally paid off as they secured their livelihoods with officially designated spaces to operate.
