Sugarcane Farmers Shut Down Belagavi as Protests Sweep Karnataka’s Sugar Belt

Karnataka’s sugarcane belt exploded on November 4, 2025, as thousands of farmers enforced total bandhs across Belagavi district, blocking highways and paralyzing towns like Athani, Chikkodi, Hukkeri, Gokak, and Gurlapur. Shops, schools, and businesses shuttered voluntarily while protesters used tractors and earth-movers to barricade key routes including Gokak-Athani road and Darur-Hyal bridge. In Hukkeri, a massive rally marched from Adavisiddeshwar Mutt to Court Circle, ending in an overnight highway dharna that forced police to divert traffic.

Farmers, backed by Hasiru Sene and Kannada groups, rejected mills’ ₹3,200 per tonne offer, demanding ₹3,500—matching Maharashtra—plus immediate payment of pending dues and transport subsidies. Crushing at 26 factories halted completely. BJP state president BY Vijayendra joined protesters at Shivayogi Circle, accusing the Siddaramaiah government of “total neglect.” “No minister visited flood-hit North Karnataka. Farmers are dying, yet Congress sleeps,” he thundered, giving the government until evening to act or face a statewide agitation.

Vijayendra evoked BS Yediyurappa’s legacy of securing ₹150 extra per tonne and warned of an internal Congress “war” for the CM’s chair post-Bihar polls. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka called the regime “anti-farmer,” while JD(S) youth leaders pledged solidarity. Talks between growers and mill owners collapsed despite Deputy Commissioner’s mediation.

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With over 50,000 protesters, donated rotis sustaining sit-ins, and support from mutts and Dalit groups, the movement has become Karnataka’s largest agrarian uprising in years. As highways choke and mills stay silent, Siddaramaiah faces a defining test: meet the demands or watch the fire spread.

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