Mamata Banerjee Leads Protest March Against Hawker Evictions in Kolkata
Mamata Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, led an unplanned protest march in Kolkata against the illegal eviction of hawkers. Joined by party members and supporters, she emphasized the need for rehabilitation before any removals. The TMC condemned the actions as unjust and inhumane, while the BJP criticized Banerjee's motives. This protest highlights the ongoing internal challenges within the TMC as it faces dissent from its own members. Read on to discover more about the implications of this protest and the political landscape in West Bengal.
| Jun 18, 2026, 13:00 IST
Mamata Banerjee's March Against Hawker Evictions
Mamata Banerjee, the chairperson of the Trinamool Congress and former Chief Minister of West Bengal, participated in an unplanned protest march in Kolkata's Dharmatalla area against the alleged illegal removal of hawkers. The former Chief Minister did not inform the administration about her plans in advance. Accompanying her were TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh and former MP Dola Sen. Banerjee was the first to arrive at Esplanade, where a large crowd gathered to see her, and she then led the march to Subodh Mallick Square. Alongside party members, hundreds of demonstrators joined her.
According to reports, on June 7, several bulldozers demolished temporary shops and hawker stalls on Jadavpur Station Road as part of an anti-encroachment campaign.
Reasons Behind Banerjee's Participation
Why Did Mamata Banerjee Join the March Against Hawker Removals?
Banerjee emphasized that hawkers should be rehabilitated before any removal takes place. The TMC has condemned the actions taken against hawkers across the state as "illegal, unjust, and inhumane." In a post on X, the party stated that the dignity and livelihood of the people of Bengal would be safeguarded. The post highlighted that their honorable chairperson, Mamata Banerjee, led a peaceful protest against the unlawful and inhumane removal of hawkers, alongside party leaders and dedicated workers. The party asserted that the dignity, livelihood, and rights of hawkers would be defended with unwavering determination, and no effort would be spared in this struggle. The TMC criticized the BJP government as "heartless" and accused it of implementing "anti-people policies." This protest comes at a time when Banerjee's TMC is facing internal turmoil, with several MLAs rebelling and at least 20 Lok Sabha MPs joining the Tripura-based NCPI to support the NDA.
BJP's Response to the Protest
BJP's Counterattack
Meanwhile, the BJP retaliated against the TMC. According to reports, West Bengal leader Dilip Ghosh claimed that this protest was Banerjee's last attempt to remain in the media spotlight. Ghosh stated that Banerjee's situation is such that she has no party, no workers, and no office... She is solely responsible for the hawkers from whom she has taken money and allowed to sit on the streets.