Dadar :– April 16, 2025: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Akshata Tendulkar has ignited a fresh debate over illegal hawking in Dadar with the launch of her new campaign, “Save Dadar – Break the Hafta Chain.” The initiative seeks to dismantle an alleged extortion network that enables unauthorized street vending through systemic corruption.
In a sharp critique, Tendulkar said the issue goes beyond mere encroachment, pointing to a deeper system of payoffs. “Despite repeated efforts to curb illegal hawking, the problem persists because of those operating behind the scenes—the ‘linewalas,'” she said.
The ‘Linewala’ System: A Web of Corruption
According to Tendulkar, linewalas act as middlemen between street vendors and corrupt officials, collecting weekly protection money (hafta) to shield illegal hawkers from municipal and police action.
“A fraction of this money may reach BMC or police officials, but the bulk is pocketed by these intermediaries. This corrupt chain perpetuates the illegal occupation of public spaces,” she alleged.
Key Questions Raised
The campaign raises pointed questions for civic and law enforcement bodies:
Why is extortion from hawkers allowed to continue unchecked?
Does the BMC officially regulate or tax these vendors?
Why are pedestrians deprived of footpaths due to unchecked encroachment?
Public Safety and Urban Discipline
Tendulkar emphasized that illegal hawking disrupts daily life, leading to congestion and safety hazards. “This isn’t just about clearing footpaths—it’s about restoring order, safety, and the rule of law,” she said.
Four-Point Action Plan
To address the crisis, Tendulkar proposed:
1. Crackdown on linewalas – Immediate legal action against extortionists
2. End the hafta system – Disrupt the illegal payment network
3. Accountability – BMC and police must answer for lapses
4. Strict enforcement – Hawking zones must be regulated as per law
“Merely targeting certain hawker groups won’t solve anything. The real problem is the corruption propping them up,” she added.
Call to Citizens
Tendulkar called on residents to support the movement. “Together, we can end this corruption, reclaim our streets, and restore order in Dadar.”
The campaign marks a new escalation in Mumbai’s ongoing struggle over street vending, now shifting the spotlight to the financial machinery sustaining the chaos.
