A video of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti selling poha and jalebi from a roadside cart in Tikamgarh has gone viral, drawing attention to her protest against a recent anti-encroachment drive in the town. Bharti clarified that her actions were symbolic, aimed at highlighting the plight of street vendors who were removed from key areas during the municipal crackdown.
The demolition drive was carried out by the Tikamgarh Municipal Corporation along Civil Lines Road, where officials, including the SDM and tehsildar, cleared several handcarts and small kiosks on the grounds of encroachment. The action affected numerous local vendors who depend on such setups for their daily livelihood, sparking concern and discontent among them.
In response, Bharti took to the streets and joined the vendors, temporarily selling food items from a cart to express solidarity. She described the administration’s actions as “dictatorial” and criticised the move for disproportionately impacting economically vulnerable groups.
She emphasised that small traders rely heavily on these informal businesses to support their families and that removing them without adequate alternatives threatens their survival. Bharti urged authorities to reconsider the decision, restore the displaced vendors, and allow them to continue operating in their usual locations.
The senior BJP leader also warned that she would escalate her protest if similar actions continued in the future. Additionally, she stated that she had already raised the issue with senior administrative officials and discussed it with the state leadership, including the Chief Minister and the BJP state president, in an effort to seek relief for the affected vendors.
