Political Tug-of-War: Nai Basti Shopkeepers Caught in the Crossfire.

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh July 21,2024 ||

JAMMU: In a dramatic turn of events, senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana led a delegation of Nai Basti shopkeepers to meet with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, seeking reprieve from the planned demolition of their shops. The meeting, characterized by earnest appeals and promises of sympathy, underscores the intense political maneuvering surrounding the issue.

An Emotional Plea for Survival:

Rana, flanked by former Corporator Pawan Singh and Bazar President Naveen Gupta, made an impassioned case for the shopkeepers, who face displacement due to a road widening project. “These shopkeepers have been running their establishments for the past six to seven decades. Their ancestors also depended on these businesses. Relocating them will devastate their families,” Rana argued. He expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for his understanding and reassurances.

The Lieutenant Governor, while acknowledging the shopkeepers’ distress, promised that their demands would be carefully examined and efforts made to ensure their livelihoods are not disrupted. “The government’s intention has always been to protect the interests of the poor and underprivileged,” he stated, as recounted by Rana.

The Background: A Tangled Web of Interests:

The 39 shops slated for demolition sit on land belonging to the irrigation department. Local residents claim that the area was settled decades ago by ex-Congress MLA and former Minister Raman Bhalla. Beyond these shops, the threat extends to other businesses along the canal in Nai Basti, which have also received evacuation notices. Although MP Jugal Kishore’s intervention temporarily halted these notices, the underlying tension remains.

Multiple delegations have previously approached the Lieutenant Governor without resolution. The recent involvement of Devender Rana, however, introduces a new dynamic. The exclusion of BJP leaders Kavinder Gupta and Vikram Randhawa from the latest delegation hints at deeper political rifts. Both Gupta and Randhawa have been vocal advocates for the shopkeepers, raising questions about the party’s internal coordination.

Political Undercurrents: A Battle for Influence:

The conspicuous absence of Kavinder Gupta and Vikram Randhawa, both prominent BJP leaders, from the delegation led by Rana raises eyebrows. This omission has fueled speculation about factionalism within the party. “There’s a clear lack of synchronization. Different leaders are standing individually for the same cause,” a political analyst observed, suggesting that each leader is positioning themselves ahead of the Assembly elections.

The ambiguity over BJP’s candidate selection for Jammu’s Assembly seats further complicates the political landscape. As potential candidates vie for prominence, the shopkeepers’ plight becomes a pawn in the larger game.

Community in Fear: The Broader Impact:

The anxiety among Nai Basti shopkeepers is palpable, but they are not alone. Shopkeepers in Digiana, Trikuta Nagar, and other areas of Jammu also fear for their futures. The broader question looms: “In the name of development, how many livelihoods will be snatched?”

Support from Yuva Rajput Sabha:

Adding to the mix, the Yuva Rajput Sabha has publicly backed the Nai Basti shopkeepers. In statements to local news channels, Sabha representatives condemned the government’s actions, emphasizing the devastating impact on small business owners. “This isn’t development; it’s destruction of livelihoods,” Rajan Singh “Happy” declared.

Missing Voices: A Stark Silence:

Amidst the cacophony, notable political figures remain silent. Raman Bhalla, once a key figure in the establishment of these shops, is absent from the current debate. Similarly, BJP’s Ravinder Raina and leaders from PDP and NC have not issued statements, leaving shopkeepers in a state of limbo.

Conclusion: An Uncertain Future:

As political leaders jockey for position and promises remain unfulfilled, the shopkeepers of Nai Basti continue to live in uncertainty. The absence of a clear solution or official statement from the Lieutenant Governor’s office only adds to their dilemma. As Assembly elections approach, the handling of this issue may well become a decisive factor in determining voter sentiment and the future political landscape in Jammu. Will the authorities find a balanced solution, or will development claims continue to overshadow the human cost? The answer remains elusive.