YSRCP protests demolition of hawkers’ shops in Visakhapatnam

YSRCP Visakhapatnam district president K.K. Raju has accused the coalition government of targeting street vendors. He called the demolition of their shops without prior notice “cruel and unjust.”

Raju led a rally from the Mahatma Gandhi statue opposite GVMC to the GVMC headquarters. Party workers and hawkers joined him to protest the removal of pushcart vendors and small stalls. Police imposed restrictions at several points but could not stop the march. The protest concluded with a petition submitted to the GVMC Additional Commissioner, seeking permanent solutions for the traders.

Speaking to the media, Raju said none of the demolished shops were illegal. “These vendors had valid trade licenses and electricity connections issued by GVMC officials in the past. Immediate compensation must be provided,” he said.

He added that thousands of self-employed individuals, including roadside pushcart operators, were left in distress. “Destroying their shops without notice leaves them unable to support their families. If the government does not act, we will not allow the mayor, MPs, or coalition MLAs to return without accountability,” Raju stated.

Raju also highlighted the plight of women entrepreneurs. Many had invested loans into their businesses. Their equipment, including fridges, grinders, and mixers, was destroyed. He demanded immediate compensation and warned that YSRCP would launch a large-scale movement if authorities failed to respond.

He further accused the government of undermining Visakhapatnam’s development to benefit Amaravati. “The chaos created by these demolitions is intended to threaten investors and keep the poor dependent. The government is prioritising Amaravati while undermining long-term growth in Visakhapatnam,” Raju said, alleging coalition leaders were transferring local wealth under the guise of development projects.