Shimla: Following the recent mosque controversy in Shimla, a significant uproar has emerged regarding the state’s new street vendor policy. Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh has implemented crucial directives in a recent meeting, mandating that vendors, dhaba (roadside eatery) owners, and hotel operators display identification outside their establishments. This move has sparked intense political debate.
In a turn of events, Singh has edited his social media post related to the implementation of the “Yogi model” in Himachal Pradesh, removing an image of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Instead, he replaced it with a statement given to a news agency. Following this change, Singh has reportedly traveled to Delhi, raising questions about whether he has been summoned for discussions regarding the controversy. However, no official statements have been issued by either the Congress party or Vikramaditya Singh regarding this matter.
Meeting on Street Vending Policy
On Tuesday, Singh held a meeting with the Urban Development Ministry in Shimla, where key decisions were made concerning street vending regulations. One of the resolutions was to require all dhaba and roadside vendors to display their IDs. Singh initially announced this policy on social media, accompanied by a photo of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which has now been removed.
Singh’s original post outlined that every food establishment and fast-food vendor in Himachal would be required to display the owner’s ID to avoid any inconvenience to the public. He emphasized that this directive was issued after consultations with the Urban Development Department and the Municipal Corporation.
Aftermath of the Controversy
The response to Singh’s post ignited a political storm, garnering attention from national media and creating a ripple effect from Shimla to Delhi. Concerns were raised regarding the implications of adopting a policy similar to that of Uttar Pradesh, which has stirred significant debate within the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh.
As political tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, with stakeholders eager to see how the government will navigate the complexities surrounding this policy implementation.
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