TIRUCHY: With the contentious Gandhi Market relocation issue looming over the constituency for years, Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday began his morning walk at the busy trading hub by canvassing support for DMK candidate Inigo Irudhayaraj, signalling the political weight the market carries in the Tiruchy East constituency.
The proposed shift of traders — now planned to Panjapur — has emerged as a major poll flashpoint, especially with Vijay set to contest, intensifying the battle. Even as all major parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, have assured that traders will not be relocated, scepticism persists on the ground.
Gandhi Market, one of the largest wholesale trading hubs in the region, houses around 1,000-1,200 wholesale traders and over 2,000 retail vendors, with thousands of workers and transporters dependent on its daily operations. The relocation proposal dates back to 2014 under former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, with subsequent failed attempts in 2017-18 due to stiff resistance from traders. With the stalling of Kallikudi plan, authorities have now shifted focus to developing an integrated market at Panjapur, even as traders allege that the move is being implemented in phases.
“It was during the AIADMK regime that the Panjapur plan was conceived, and we were not properly consulted then. After the change in government in 2021, DMK leaders assured us that we would not be moved out. But the plan continues in phases, with construction still under way in Panjapur,” said AMP Abdul Hakkim, president of the Tiruchy Gandhi Market Anaithu Vyabarigal Pothu Nala Sangam.
“We are not against expansion, but it should not come at the cost of our livelihood. Many families depend on this market. We had even suggested alternatives within the city. Now, all leaders come and meet us and speak about our issues, but what matters is whose approach ensures our concerns are addressed,” he added.
Hakkim also alleged indirect measures. “Even now, the district administration is planning to reroute heavy vehicle traffic through Panjapur, which will strain our supply chains. This is being implemented in phases. It is not about any one leader, but about who is accessible to at least hear our problems,” he said.
Retail traders, however, have taken a different stand. In a November 2025 petition, the Gandhi Market Retail Sellers Association urged authorities to allow retail shops to continue at the current location even if wholesale traders are shifted. “Wholesale traders are largely responsible for congestion due to encroachments. Shifting them alone will ease the problem,” said K Jaisankar, president of the association.
A trader, requesting anonymity, said, “Every election, parties promise we won’t be moved. But some steps follow later. Even now, assurances are being given, but we have heard this before.”
During his campaign trail, Stalin later stopped at a tea shop in Palakkarai, interacting with the public, before proceeding to Beema Nagar to canvass for Tiruchy West candidate KN Nehru, who accompanied him through the outreach.
As campaigning gathers pace, Gandhi Market has once again turned into a symbol of livelihood concerns and political credibility, with its future likely to influence voter sentiment in Tiruchy East.