Maintaining that there was no division within the Mapusa Merchants’ Association (MMA) and all merchants were together, MMA President Ashish Shirodkar on Tuesday said some members, however, tried to play a “political gimmick”.
“We as an association are all united. A political gimmick was played by some members. Actually, these members who raised some issues are also members of our association,” Shirodkar said.
On Monday, a section of the Mapusa Merchants’ Association led by former president of All Goa Merchants’ Association, Narayan Karekar met the MMC chairperson and the local MLA and put forth some demands before the Mapusa Municipal Council.
Ironically, some of the demands were much against the stand taken by the Mapusa Merchants' Association in the past.
Karekar along with a section of the businessmen demanded some space on the footpath for display of their wares.
They also demanded that all vendors should be brought back in the market and Friday market should be re-started with its full capacity much against the norms adopted by the government during the Covid crisis.
Shirodkar put his foot down against any move to increase the number of vendors in the market. He, however, said the association would not object if the council decides to allow the shopkeepers a space of 60 cm to display goods on the footpath.
“We are firm that no more vendors should be allowed in the market. We are against putting more vendors in the market. If there are more vendors, the council should rotate them, but they should not increase the number of vendors. We also want local vendors to be given preference in the market,” he said.
The council has allowed 49 vendors on three main streets within the sprawling market and some local vendors were accommodated in another open space inside the market.
The Mapusa Merchants’ Association President said nobody should be allowed more than 60 cm for display of goods on the footpath.
“If the council decides to provide 60 cm space to the shopkeepers, we have no objection. But movement of pedestrians should not be obstructed,” Shriodkar said.
He also countered the move of the section of merchants who demanded cancellation of pay parking in the market.
“The pay parking should continue. If the contractor is creating problems for public then he should be replaced,” he said.
