A strike between supporters and opponents of the new Palayam market project at the old Palayam market premises in Kozhikode on Tuesday. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the new Palayam complex at the Kalluthankadavu vegetable and fruit market in Kozhikode on Tuesday amid protests by vendors and political organisations.
In his inaugural speech, the Chief Minister criticized the “attitude of conflicting projects which are meant for the betterment of society”.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates the nNew Palayam market at Kalluthankadavu in Kozhikode on Tuesday. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh
“Once the elections are over, the ruling front and the opposition should work together to improve and develop society. Constructive criticism is welcome. But it is not mandatory for the opposition to oppose everything the ruling front does,” he said.
Mayor Beena Philip presided over the event where PA Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas inaugurated the wholesale and free market section.
Located on a 5.5-acre plot at Kalluthankadavu in the city, the new Palayam market was built in a public-private partnership model by the Kalluthankadavu Area Development Company (KADCO) at a cost of ₹100 crore. The 3.5,000 m2 market is one of the largest of its kind in the state. It will accommodate 310 shops. The first floor of the building in six blocks is directly accessible from the Meenchanda-Arayidathupalam bypass. Autorickshaws and trucks can be taken to higher floors via ramps.
At present, 153 vendors have secured their premises in the new market and are accommodated in a building owned by Kozhikode Corporation in Palayam market.
However, there were allegations that the corporation did not take the working vendors from the other buildings in the market as well as the street vendors, apart from other workers associated with it. Ever since the project was conceptualized, they have been protesting and demanding proper and scientific relocation of the market.
On Tuesday, they staged protests with placards and black flags ahead of the chief minister’s arrival, saying they would not move out of the market at any cost.
They were opposed by those vendors who agreed to move to the new market, leading to a clash. Police intervened to control the crowd.
Published – 21 Oct 2025 11:59 IST
