The DMK office bearer, who leased the Erode Netaji vegetable market, has hiked entry fees and daily rent manifold, causing Erode vegetable traders to demonstrate on the streets.
There are allegations that DMK cadres charge an exorbitant rates in the Nethaji market in Erode district, which has 800 shops and operates from VOC park.
The merchants of the Nethaji Market, who were affected by the hike in rent, protested by throwing vegetables on the street, causing a stir in the area. The merchants allegedly received death threats from DMK cadres, when they questioned DMK cadres charging an excessive fee that is far more than the amount set by the government.
Local traders alleged that the DMK cadres were charging one rupee for a bundle of curry leaves and ten rupees for a bundle of cauliflower. They also charge 5 rupees for a tomato box and 10 rupees for a bike token, both of which were previously not charged.
Traders alleged that DMK Agriculture wing State Joint Secretary Kurinji N Sivakumar and leaseholder Arun Prasad are to blame for the increase in Erode vegetable market rent.
Traders called off the demonstration after receiving assurances from police who arrived on the scene after the protest that they would take action against the DMK’s office-bearer.
(with inputs from NewsJ)
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