Bengaluru Footpath Drive: CM Shivakumar Claims 'Big Mafia' Behind Encroachments, Defends Evictions

BENGALURU: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday defended the government's footpath clearance drive, which has drawn criticism for evicting hundreds of street vendors. He alleged that a 'big mafia' was behind the encroachments.

Shivakumar conducted his first city-wide inspection since assuming office, reviewing the ongoing drive across the Greater Bengaluru Authority limits. He visited HAL, HSR Layout, Jayanagar, and Madhavan Park, but skipped planned stops at Ecospace in Bellandur and Sampige Road in Malleshwaram.

Speaking to reporters at Ashoka Pillar Circle in Jayanagar, Shivakumar said the government had taken 'a big step' in reclaiming footpaths over the past 15 days. He noted that more than 900 pedestrians had died in road accidents in the last three years, underscoring the need for clear footpaths. 'If there is no footpath, people will walk on the road,' he said.

The Chief Minister asserted that the government is not against street vendors. 'We are not against street vendors and will not trouble anyone. However, vending will not be permitted on main roads. The Supreme Court has also issued clear directions on this issue, and we may have to take some tough decisions,' he said.

Shivakumar emphasized that the poor remain a priority. 'The poor are ours. It may be private or government land, but it is not possible to do business in some places. We also want street vendors to survive,' he added. He mentioned that the government had previously issued identity cards to vendors but faced a court stay. The process will be restarted, with designated vending zones identified.

Alleging the involvement of a 'big mafia', Shivakumar said, 'There will be criticism. We are ready to accept criticism for the betterment of Bengaluru. There is a big mafia behind this. There have been cases of rowdies extorting money from traders. We have given freedom to the police and GBA officials.'

When asked about alternative arrangements for displaced vendors, Shivakumar said, 'Let all the allegation-makers make their allegations. We will identify other places for them. They will not be allowed to trade in places where there are many vehicles and in front of someone's property. We will look for a place without any problem. They should come in the morning and leave in the evening.'

According to the Chief Minister, the drive has covered over 435 km of footpaths, removing 9,878 encroachments, including thousands of shops.