Opposing the eviction drive carried out by the BDA and the BMC around the Lingaraj Temple here, local traders on Tuesday held a demonstration in front of the Lingaraj police station.
Political workers led by Congress MLA Suresh Routray and BJP State vice-president Samir Mohanty also joined the protest by the traders, who demanded their rehabilitation before eviction.
“We are not opposing the beautification project of the temple. But the shopkeepers should be rehabilitated before demolition of their shops,” a trader said.
Several locals, who had constructed houses on Government land, also resorted to a dharna after their houses were razed on Monday.
Later, the eviction drive was suspended after a discussion between BDA and BMC officials and traders. A meeting would be held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the BMC Commissioner where the demands of traders would be placed by a 10-member delegation.
