Controversy over vacating grounds for Eighth Fair in Dahod: Traders protest against the decision to remove bed-keepers before Raksha Bandhan, Congress submits representation to collector

The municipal corporation's decision to vacate the ground in the common plot near Vasfodia Society on Station Road in Dahod over the eighth fair has caused anger among the local traders. The municipality has ordered small and middle class traders, who are doing business by paying rent, to vacate the place immediately. Following the controversy, traders led by Dahod city Congress president Asif Sayyed arrived to make a representation to the district collector. In view of the upcoming Raksha Bandhan festival, these traders bought goods by borrowing from relatives. The sudden order of the municipality has put their employment in jeopardy. Traders say that at this crucial time of festivals, the loss of their livelihood has made it difficult for the family to survive. Dahod city Congress president Asif Sayyed has promised to stand with these poor traders after understanding their plight. He has submitted an application to the district collector demanding that these traders be allowed to continue trading at their allotted space. Asif Syed said, "We are with these poor traders. This decision of the municipality has had a direct impact on their livelihood. If the traders do not get justice, the Congress party will protest against this decision of the municipality." On the other hand, Dahod Municipality Chief Officer Deepsingh Hathila clarified, "The eighth fair is held every year at this place. For this, this ground is vacated every year. After the fair is over, the place will be re-allotted to these traders." Disruption of their business at this crucial time of festivals can have a serious impact on their economic condition. Now whether the Dahod municipality allows these traders to continue trading in their place will be clear in the coming days.