The ten-day sugarcane protest that rattled the entire state
Belagavi:
The small junction of Gurlapur Cross in Moodalagi taluk has now become a headline on Karnataka’s political map. The ten-day-long “sweet struggle” of sugarcane farmers shook the very nerves of the state government. No one had imagined that the farmers’ voice would echo this powerfully.
How did the Gurlapur protest begin?
It all began with a simple demand — a fair price of ₹3,500 per tonne of sugarcane. But as days passed, this local agitation turned into a storm of statewide anger. Be it the scorching heat of the day or the biting cold of the night, nothing could weaken the farmers’ determination. Thousands of farmers thundered one slogan: “We want a fair price!”
The farmers’ voice finally reached the government
Initially, the government dismissed it as a minor local protest. But as the wave of public discontent grew, it was forced to take notice. Two ministers — Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil and Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa — rushed to Gurlapur to hold talks with the protesters. The discussions were cool, but the outcome was lukewarm. The government’s offer was meagre, while the farmers’ anger was immense.
BJP’s entry turned the tide.
When the agitation intensified, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra himself visited Gurlapur and expressed solidarity with the farmers. The wave of resentment against the government grew even stronger. Though the movement started gaining political colours, the farmers’ integrity and sincerity remained undiminished.
National Highway Blockade – The boiling point
On the tenth day of the protest, the anger at Gurlapur Cross reached a boiling point. Farmers blocked the National Highway and shouted slogans against the government. Some miscreants pelted stones near the Hattaragi toll, but the police handled the situation remarkably peacefully — without resorting to lathi charge — earning praise from all sides.
Sugarcane heat reaches the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the echo of Gurlapur’s protest reached the Karnataka Assembly in Bengaluru. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lashed out at the sugar factory owners, declaring:
“No one who denies justice to farmers will be spared.”
His statement reverberated through the Assembly, signaling the political tremors caused by the farmers’ movement.
Finally, the government yields.
And then, in one decisive moment, everything changed. Ten days of sleepless struggle, the farmers’ unwavering faith, and the growing public pressure finally made the government bow down. The state agreed to pay ₹3,300 per tonne, instead of the demanded ₹3,500.
But this was more than just a victory of price — it was a triumph of farmers’ hard work, patience, and unity.
Gurlapur: The village of awakening.
Today, the signboard of Gurlapur Cross bears a new meaning — “The Village of Struggle.”
This movement has sown new seeds of awareness, courage, and hope among farmers across Karnataka.
From Belagavi to Moodalagi, Athani to Nippani, farmers are now saying with pride:
“The path shown by Gurlapur is the light of hope for farmers.”
