Farmers and the BJP Raitha Morcha observed a Davanagere bandh on September 1 over concerns surrounding Bhadra reservoir water and the impact of the Karnataka government’s gutka and pan-masala ban on arecanut growers. Protesters argued that water should first be secured for agricultural requirements in the Davanagere region before additional quantities are released elsewhere. Leaders also claimed that uncertainty surrounding the gutka ban had affected demand and prices for arecanut, creating financial pressure for growers. Demonstrations were reported at several locations across Davanagere as farmers demanded government intervention on irrigation and crop-price concerns.
