Congress opposes shifting of Karnal Sunday market from Sector12

Karnal, July 7

The Congress party has opposed the proposed plan of shifting the Sunday market from Sector 12 here, where people have been running their stalls to sell various products for the past nearly 25 years. The party leaders demanded that the administration should refrain from relocating the Sunday market, as it would impact the livelihood of vendors. The Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) has earmarked a ground in Sector 4, where some vendors went there on Sunday, but could not set up their stalls due to the lack of facilities. Resentment prevailed among them.

State Youth Congress president Divyanshu Budhiraja, who contested the last Lok Sabha elections against Union Cabinet Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, has threatened to launch a protest if the market was shifted.

“It is unfortunate that in the CM’s city, a step is being taken to make unemployed lose their livelihood. These vendors have been running their stalls here for years. CM Nayab Singh Saini is the MLA for Karnal city, while former CM Manohar Lal Khattar has been elected to the Lok Sabha from here. Despite that the authorities are not looking into the needs of these vendors. We will protest to save the livelihood of these people,” Budhiraja said. He said he had already spoken to the Deputy Commissioner requesting him not to displace these vendors.

Former MLA and senior Congress leader Sumita Singh also visited the market and interacted with the vendors and assured them of her support. “We will raise the voice of the vendors and not let the administration forcefully shift them,” she added.

“It is a centrally located place, which is accessible to all residents. It should not be shifted,” she added.

The vendors of the Sunday market expressed their concern about the proposed relocation. They argued that moving the market to Sector4, which was far from the city centre, would severely affect their business as customers would not travel that far to shop. “We have been running our stalls here for the past nearly 25 years. This place is easily accessible to all, so we should not be shifted,” said a vendor.

Dharambir, XEN, HSVP, explained the reason behind the proposed shift. “A couple of persons purchased shops in Sector 12 where the Sunday market is held. The owners of these shops met the higher authorities and demanded that the Sunday market be shifted. We have offered a ground for the market at Sector 4,” he stated.