Karnataka bandh called by sugarcane farmers hits Belagavi, but neighbouring districts unaffected

Protesting farmers briefly prevented buses from leaving the Central Bus Stand in Belagavi during the Karnataka bandh on October 31, 2026. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Normal activities came to a halt in several towns and hobli centres in Belagavi district on October 31 in response to the Karnataka bandh called by sugarcane growers who are demanding a price of ₹5,500 per tonne.Protesting farmers briefly prevented buses from leaving the Central Bus Stand in Belagavi. A scuffle broke out between the protesters and the police when the latter attempted to stop them.The farmers later gathered in front of the Tourist Bungalow and raised slogans against the Union and State governments, reiterating their demand for a higher price for sugarcane.Several shops were reportedly closed during the protest. Commercial activity remained largely suspended in Hukkeri, Raibag, Mudalagi, Athani, Nipani, and Chikkodi taluk headquarters, besides several hobli centres.Farmers blocked roads at several locations across the district as part of the protest. Among other people, devotees were inconvenienced by the closure of routes leading to temples.In Dharwad, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Haveri, and Gadag districts, the protests were largely symbolic. Published - October 31, 2026 12:33 pm IST