Pune: Vegetable Vendors Get Designated Space in Kondhwa After 26-Day Protest

Kondhwa, 17th July 2025: After nearly a month of peaceful protest, vegetable and street vendors in Kondhwa have finally secured designated vending spaces, following sustained efforts led by social activist Aslam Bagwan, founder of the Incredible Samajsewak Group.

For the past 26 days, vendors and local organizations had been demanding space to carry out their livelihood, alleging harassment and eviction despite Supreme Court rulings protecting their rights. As a result of persistent follow-ups and a non-violent Satyagraha, the Pune Municipal Corporation has now allocated vending zones behind the Sheetal Petrol Pump and at the Ota Market near Kumar Prithvi Society.

Several organizations extended support to the movement, including Maharashtra Phariwala Kranti Mahasangh, Masum Sanstha, the National Coordination Committee of Jan Andolan, and representatives of various political parties — Indian National Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT faction), Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), Janshakti Party, Lok Sena, and the Indian Republican Party.

In addition, officials from Kondhwa and Wanawadi-Ramtekdi Police Stations, the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Encroachment Department, and Property Department provided administrative support for resolving the matter.

Background of the Protest
The issue escalated on 24 June 2025 during a meeting organized by local political representatives to address traffic congestion in Kondhwa. A committee was formed, but disputes soon erupted over its functioning. On 28 June, alleged misuse of court orders led to the eviction of weekly market vendors under pressure from certain political groups.

In response, Aslam Bagwan launched a Satyagraha invoking the values of the Indian Constitution and the principles of non-violence championed by Mahatma Gandhi. Despite intimidation, abuse, and attempts to discredit the movement, the protest remained peaceful and disciplined. Vendors chose not to violate law and order, even while facing economic hardship.

“This is not just a victory for the vendors but also for constitutional values and non-violent resistance,” said Aslam Bagwan after the PMC officially allocated the new vending areas.

Local residents and vendors expressed relief at the outcome, hoping that the peaceful resolution sets a precedent for handling such civic issues across the city.