Kozhikode: Protests erupted at Palayam market on Tuesday over the inauguration of the new market complex in Kalluthankadavu by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Protesters alleged that the opening was rushed without addressing their concerns over shop allotment and infrastructural facilities.

The shopkeepers said that although the initiative was supposed to benefit the vendors and workers at the Palayam market, it appears to serve the interests of "private players from outside the region".

"They gave the shops on the ground floor to influential people, and the licencees were allotted top floors," one protester told the media. According to them, customers won't climb stairs to make purchases, highlighting how the move may impact their business.

A protester said they were not against the development but opposed the neglect of their demands. "If they are ready to address our concerns, we are ready to move," he told reporters. Agitators allege that the new spaces allotted to them are much smaller compared to Palayam market, but charge higher rent.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor CP Musafar Ahamed said that he does not understand why the protests are taking place, given that the demands have been met. "Only the demand that the market should not be shifted to Kalluthankadavu was left unaddressed," he said.

"All the facilities are better here. The market lies on 5.5 acres of land compared to the 1.5 acres at the old market. Here we have proper parking facilities for the vehicles, washrooms for workers, and facilities to move the goods, including a conveyor belt," he said.

While speaking at the inaugural event, Pinarayi said that some people struggle with embracing and acknowledging positive accomplishments. He called for people to join hands and come together for this particular accomplishment. "But there are some groups that have decided not to partake in advance," he added.

"Why are some people aligning with these groups and rejecting the development of the state instead of embracing it?" he said. He added that the opposition must react to the shortcomings of the leading party when it is warranted, but this should not come at the cost of the state's development.