Agartala eviction drive sparks political outrage as CPI(M) leader Jiten Choudhury calls it undemocratic and barbaric. Opposition demands surveys, rehabilitation for hawkers, and inclusive urban development amid Smart City spending failures and rising unemployment.
The ongoing eviction drive carried out by the Agartala Municipal Corporation has triggered sharp political reactions, with Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) MLA Jitendra Choudhury strongly condemning the operation and branding it an “unfortunate, barbaric, and undemocratic rampage” against vulnerable urban residents and small traders.
Addressing the media on Friday, Choudhury said that while urban development, beautification, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure are necessary for a growing city, Agartala’s expansion has occurred without adequate planning, resulting in serious socio-economic consequences. According to him, population growth, traffic congestion, and unregulated informal economic activities are symptoms of governance failures rather than just illegal encroachments.
The Opposition leader argued that eviction without rehabilitation reflects an authoritarian approach that disregards the livelihoods of thousands of urban poor. “Urban beautification cannot come at the cost of human dignity,” he said, adding that sudden bulldozer actions deepen unemployment and social insecurity, particularly among street vendors and small shopkeepers who depend on daily earnings.
Drawing a comparison with the previous Left Front government, Choudhury claimed that during its 35 years in power, no such ruthless eviction tactics were adopted. He cited the development of Agartala City Centre as an example, stating that traders and hawkers affected by infrastructure projects were systematically rehabilitated. According to him, shopkeepers were relocated within the City Centre complex, while additional vendors were provided space beneath Umakanta Stadium, accommodating nearly 30 to 40 businessmen and hawkers.
Choudhury further alleged that despite spending thousands of crores of rupees under the Smart City Mission, the current government has failed to create sustainable marketplaces or structured vending zones. “Instead of planning inclusive development, the government evicts hawkers and, after a few days, allows them to return allegedly after extracting large sums of money,” he claimed, accusing local representatives of facilitating corruption.
The CPI(M) leader also criticized the absence of transparent surveys and proper identification of affected vendors before carrying out eviction operations. He emphasized that any eviction drive must be preceded by detailed assessments, consultations with stakeholders, and guaranteed rehabilitation in multi-facility commercial spaces equipped with basic amenities.
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Raising broader concerns, Choudhury called attention to rising unemployment in the state and the unchecked movement of autos and tom-toms, which he said contribute to traffic chaos and economic distress. He urged the government to regulate informal transport systems alongside implementing humane urban policies.
Calling upon citizens, traders’ unions, and civil society organizations, Choudhury appealed for collective resistance against what he described as “repressive and anti-people policies.” He stressed that development should be democratic, participatory, and inclusive, warning that force-driven governance would only intensify public resentment and social instability.
