Bangalore Street Vendors Protest for Livelihood Rights, Threaten Escalation

Hundreds Demand Protection from BBMP Crackdown

Bengaluru, June 24, 2025 – Over 500 street vendors from across Bengaluru gathered at Freedom Park on Tuesday, protesting against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) restrictive policies that threaten their livelihoods. The demonstration, organized by the Karnataka Progressive Street Vendors Association, saw participants from major markets, including KR Market, Jayanagar 4th Block, Vijayanagar, Shivajinagar, Hebbal, Munireddypalya, Yeshwanthpur, and Gandhi Bazaar.

The protest comes in response to recent statements by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and BBMP Special Commissioner (Welfare), who insisted that street vendors must operate only in designated vending zones or with pushcarts, while those without identity cards would face eviction. Vendors argue that these measures disregard their legal rights and worsen their economic struggles.

“Street Vending is Our Right” – Vendors Defend Their Livelihoods

S. Babu, President of the Karnataka Progressive Street Vendors Association, addressed the crowd, stating, “Street vending is our legal right. The law permits us to operate on footpaths and roadside spaces. We are not against pedestrians—they are our customers. Using their name to displace us is unjust. If this harassment continues, we will intensify our protests.”

Mavalli Shankar, State Convener of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (Ambedkar Vadi), extended his support, criticizing political leaders for neglecting vendors after elections. “Politicians promise welfare for street vendors to secure votes, but once in power, they target the very same people. This is condemnable, and vendors must escalate their struggle,” he said.

Calls for Social Security and Inclusive Urban Planning

Clifton D’Rozario, National Secretary of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), questioned the city’s priorities: “Does ‘Brand Bengaluru’ only cater to the rich? Why is there no space for street vendors who serve the poor and middle class? The government is allocating more space to cars while evicting vendors unlawfully and inhumanely.”

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Syed Jameer, District Secretary of the Karnataka Progressive Street Vendors Association, highlighted the lack of social security: “Many elderly and differently-abled vendors work under harsh conditions. The government must provide health insurance, pensions, and other basic facilities.”

Shashikala, a former municipal council member and vendor from Vijayanagar, raised concerns about women vendors: “Free public toilets must be provided. How can pregnant women continue vending if they are forced to keep moving?”

BBMP’s Delayed Response Fuels Anger

During the protest, BBMP Joint Commissioner (West) Sangappa accepted a memorandum from vendors and assured them of a meeting with BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath by 3 PM. However, when vendors arrived for the discussion, the Chief Commissioner was unavailable, sparking frustration.

Vendors later met with the Special Commissioner (Welfare), who deferred key demands, stating they required further deliberation with the Chief Commissioner.

Vendors Vow to Escalate Protests if Demands Unmet

Protest leaders warned that if no concrete resolution is reached, they will intensify their agitation. “If our demands are ignored and evictions continue, we will launch a larger movement,” said Babu.

The vendors’ key demands include:

• Recognition of their right to vend on footpaths and roadsides.

• Social security benefits, including health insurance and pensions.

• Designated vending zones with basic amenities.

• Protection against arbitrary evictions.

As tensions rise, the BBMP’s response—or lack thereof—will determine whether Bengaluru’s streets witness further unrest.

Key Quotes:

• S. Babu, Karnataka Progressive Street Vendors Association:
  “We are not against pedestrians—they are our customers. Using their name to displace us is unjust.”

• Mavalli Shankar, Dalit Sangharsh Samiti:
  “Politicians promise us votes, then betray us. This is why we must fight harder.”

• Clifton D’Rozario, AICCTU:
  “Does ‘Brand Bengaluru’ only have space for the rich? What about the poor who feed this city?”

• Syed Jameer, Street Vendors Association:
  “Elderly and disabled vendors work in harsh conditions. Where is our pension, our healthcare?”

• “If the government keeps pushing us out, we’ll push back harder.”
  — S. Babu, Karnataka Progressive Street Vendors Association

Q&A Section:

Q: Why are street vendors protesting?
A: The BBMP is enforcing strict vending zones and ID rules, threatening their livelihoods without proper alternatives.

Q: What are their key demands?
A: Legal recognition, social security (pensions, health insurance), and an end to forced evictions.

Q: Did BBMP officials respond?
A: They accepted a memorandum but failed to hold a promised meeting, angering vendors further.

Q: What’s next if demands aren’t met?
A: Vendors warn of larger protests and city-wide disruptions.