Night food court vendors ‘beg’ to express their financial crisis

The indefinite strike by night food court vendors against their displacement has entered its 17th day, in Visakhapatnam on Friday. In their attempt to draw attention to their plight, the vendors staged a ‘Bhikshatana’ protest on Old Jail Road, symbolically begging to highlight their worsening financial condition.

The vendors alleged that it has been nearly seven months since the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) removed the night food court under ‘Operation Life to Urban Green Spaces (LUNGS)’, citing irregularities, and promised alternative shops to eligible beneficiaries with a few days. They expressed dissent over the continued delay alleging apathy from the corporation. They also alleged that despite launching an indefinite strike over two weeks ago, no leaders from the ruling party have visited them or provided any assurance of action.