Overview
- Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti sold poha from a handcart in Tikamgarh on Tuesday to back vendors cleared in a civic anti-encroachment drive a day earlier.
- After on-site talks, the municipal administration paused further removals and began exploring relocation options for affected sellers, according to Bharti and local reports.
- Vendors at the site said they would keep their areas clean and avoid blocking the road as discussions with officials continue.
- Bharti accused authorities of targeting poor traders while leaving violations by influential establishments intact and said carts were damaged without prior notice or rehabilitation plans.
- Anti-encroachment actions are common in Indian cities and often hit daily earners first, which could push Tikamgarh to formalize vending zones and clearer notice-and-relocation steps.