Mumbai: Rent controversy leaves Bandra fair stalls empty

The steep rent for stalls at the Bandra Fair has resulted in 35 to 40 stalls remaining vacant on the first day of the fair that started on Sunday. Traditional stall owners, who had previously protested against the high rental rates, claimed that only those with stalls close to the church could afford the steep prices.

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Following the prolonged protest, a notice signed by Fr Vernon Aguiar was posted on September 5, stating that applications for 35 to 40 stalls were available at Rs 550 per square foot, excluding taxes. However, Rupesh Gomes, the leader of the protest, said that even this rate was too high.

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"We, the long-time stallholders at the fair, have stayed away this year as the Rs 550 per square foot rent is still unaffordable," he said. The controversy began on August 11, when the church introduced a tenfold increase in rent and a new lottery-based tendering system for stall allocation.

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The rent had been Rs 250 per square foot for eight days in 2022, rising to Rs 350 last year. This year, the auction started with bids ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000, but the rates were eventually lowered for vacant stalls. mid-day has been unable to reach Fr Sunder M. Albuquerque, the church's vice-rector, for comment.

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