Belagavi

Thousands of farmers staged a massive protest at Channamma Circle, demanding the restoration of licences for the Jai Kisan Private Wholesale Vegetable Market. 

The agitation, backed by BJP leaders Rajya Sabha MP Iranna Kadadi and MLA Abhay Patil, brought traffic to a standstill in the heart of the city for over three hours. The Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA) recently cancelled the land-use approval for the market. This was followed by the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) and Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) revoking its trade licence and building completion permissions, effectively halting operations. Farmers, marching from the Jai Kisan market to Channamma Circle, held a sit-in demonstration, having lunch at the protest site. They alleged that the sudden cancellation of all licences was illegal and demanded action against the officials responsible.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan assured protesters that retail trading of up to two quintals per farmer could continue at the private market. However, he clarified that wholesale trading was sub-judice and beyond his jurisdiction. Following his assurance, farmers withdrew their protest.