With the Azadpur Mandi traders going on an indefinite strike starting Monday, vegetable and fruit prices soared further. The traders are demanding a corruption-free environment to work in as well as a cleaner market, among other things.
Members of the Azadpur Mandi Committee, which is spearheading the protest, said some panel members belonging to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were corrupt and misusing their power. According to one of the union leaders, Metharam, the government has been apprised of the problems that the traders were facing because of these “rogue elements”, who have taken over stalls of other sellers.
“There is rampant corruption in the mandi now. The government did not pay any heed to our grievances, forcing us to launch the protest,” he added.
The huge wholesale market, which starts teeming with activity as early as 4 in the morning, seemed deserted on Monday, with most vegetable and fruit sellers throwing their weight behind the strike. According to local traders, the farmers were informed that they shouldn’t bring any produce to the market on Monday.
The union members further said truckers and farmers were being fleeced in the name of entry and exit fee, which was nothing but extortion. They also rued that cleanliness was a major issue as the area was hardly ever cleaned and no machines were used.
“We had a discussion with the AAP government but they did not give us any assurance. We have been forced to take this route,” said Anil Sharma, a trader, who claimed that the strike was “90 per cent” successful.
Meanwhile, the vegetable prices climbed further up. At Rs 100 per kg, tomato and capsicum remained beyond the reach of the common man. Peas were sold at the same price while cauliflower and carrots were available for Rs 70 and 80 per kg, respectively. Coriander, garlic, and apple were available for princely sums of over Rs 200 per kg, and even the seasonal mango touched the rate of Rs 90 per kg.
