KOLKATA: In a sudden move that shocked both friends and rivals, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit the streets of central Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon. She led a surprise protest march to protect roadside hawkers from being kicked out of their spots.
The march started quietly in the busy Dharmatala area. Soon, hundreds of daily workers and party supporters joined the 71-year-old leader. Walking down Lenin Sarani, the crowd held up placards and shouted loud slogans against the new BJP state government’s decision to use bulldozers to clear illegal stalls.
Losing the state elections last month has put Banerjee in a tough spot, with many of her party leaders leaving her side. Only a few close teammates, including MLA Kunal Ghosh and MP Dola Sen, walked beside her on Wednesday.
Still, the fiery leader spent time talking directly to poor roadside vendors, listening to how the recent evictions in places like Jadavpur and Sealdah have hurt their families.
Later, the TMC shared a strong statement on social media, blaming the new government for being heartless and taking away the daily bread of poor citizens.
“The dignity and livelihoods of ordinary people will be defended with full strength,” the party stated online. “No stone will be left unturned in this fight.”
While opposition leaders from the Left parties claim Banerjee is just trying to steal the spotlight from their own protests, her sudden return to the streets shows she is ready to fight back and win the trust of the common people once again.
