Intro: Hundreds of farmers and arecanut growers protested across multiple city locations, disrupting normal routines.
Davanagere
Davanagere observed a bandh on Tuesday following a call by the Arecanut Growers’ Federation opposing the government’s decision to ban gutka containing tobacco and nicotine and the order to release three TMC of water to the Upper Bhadra project.
Hundreds of farmers and arecanut growers took to the streets in different parts of the city, including Arun Circle, Vidyarthi Bhavan, Renuka Mandir and Jayadeva Circle. Protesters burnt tyres and raised slogans against the State government, demanding withdrawal of both decisions.
The protesters said the gutka ban would affect the arecanut sector and those dependent on it. They also opposed the decision to release three TMC of water to the Upper Bhadra project, arguing that the move could affect the interests of farmers in the Davanagere region.
The bandh received support from the BJP Kisan Morcha and was led by former minister M.P. Renukacharya. Protesters visited shops and commercial establishments and appealed to owners to keep them closed in support of the agitation.
Tension prevailed at Jayadeva Circle after protesters set tyres on fire. Police intervened to extinguish the flames, leading to a brief confrontation between the protesters and police personnel over the removal of the burning tyres.
Protesters also stopped transport buses at some locations and appealed to drivers to support the bandh. A Channagiri-Davanagere bus was stopped for some time, causing inconvenience to passengers. Police intervened and urged the protesters not to force transport operators to suspend services.
At Vani Rice Mill, protesters warned bus drivers against operating services, following which police stepped in to prevent forced closure. An argument also broke out between police personnel and members of a pro-Kannada organisation during the incident.
The protesters urged the government to reconsider both decisions and warned that their agitation would continue if their demands were not addressed.
Key points
- Protesters feared gutka ban harmed arecanut.
- Water release threatened Davanagere farmer interests.
- BJP Kisan Morcha supported the bandh.
- Former minister M.P. Renukacharya led agitation.
- Protesters urged shops to stay closed.
- Police extinguished burning tyres at Jayadeva.
- Stopped transport buses causing passenger inconvenience.
- Police intervened against forced business closures.