Guwahati: The Sribhumi Municipality has come under sharp criticism following allegations of a biased eviction drive that has targeted small vendors while ignoring similar violations by large commercial establishments. The operation, which municipal officials claim is aimed at easing traffic congestion, has sparked outrage among civic groups and political leaders.
At the centre of the controversy is Vishal Megamart, a major retail chain near the heavily congested AOC point, which reportedly continues to operate with vehicles parked in clearly marked no-parking zones. Despite multiple public complaints, the municipal body has taken no visible action against the store, fuelling allegations of selective enforcement and administrative collusion.
Shubhajit Chakraborty, General Secretary of the Assam State NSUI, slammed the municipality’s conduct. “Is there a covert arrangement between Sribhumi Municipality and Vishal Megamart’s owner?” he questioned. “Why are small vendors the only ones targeted while blatant violations by big commercial players are conveniently ignored?”
Local residents and affected street vendors have echoed these sentiments, alleging that the crackdown is pushing poor traders out of their livelihoods without offering alternatives or compensation. Meanwhile, large retail outlets continue to flout civic regulations with impunity.
Chakraborty has called on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and local MLA Krishnendu Paul to step in and restore transparency and fairness in municipal operations. “This is not just a matter of traffic management—it’s a matter of justice and equal treatment under the law,” he stated.
The controversy has reignited larger concerns about the integrity and impartiality of urban governance, especially in balancing developmental goals with the rights of vulnerable sections of society.
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