The bandh called in Kalaburagi on Thursday by the Samyukta Horata Karnataka, a forum of different progressive and democratic organsiations, in association with various farmers, Kannada and Dalit groups, seeking declaration of drought in the district and fulfilment of other demands evoked mixed response.
Public transport services were severely disrupted as protesters blocked the movement of buses at several places, including in front of the Central Bus Station.
Bus station, which normally remains crowded with passengers from the early morning, wore a deserted look as bus services were suspended.
Several passengers who arrived at the bus station unaware of the bandh were stranded with their luggage.
Farmers also staged a road blockade in the Ganj area, a busy marketplace, where shops and commercial establishments remained closed.
However, the bandh received lukewarm response in other major commercial and densely populated areas, including the Super Market.
The protesters, who began demonstrations as early as 6 a.m., staged protests at different locations in the city.
A large procession was taken out from Nagareshwar School to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, while farmers staged a semi-nude protest near the KMS office on the Humnabad Ring Road.
They also formed a human chain, blocked the road and raised slogans against the State government.
“The State government should immediately declare Kalaburagi a drought-hit district, provide compensation of ₹50,000 per acre to farmers and release crop insurance compensation to all eligible farmers who have been deprived of it. We also demand loan waiver for farmers and release of 15 tmcft of water from the Ujani Dam in Maharashtra,” district president of Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha Sharanabasappa Mamshetty said during the agitation.
“The district is facing a severe drought-like situation owing to deficient monsoon rainfall. Agricultural activities have been severely affected and major crops, including green gram, black gram, soybean, sesame, cotton and sugarcane, have failed to grow adequately, causing heavy losses to farmers and agricultural labour. Many farm labour are migrating to the cities such as Bengaluru in search of work as they are not getting enough work in rural areas due to drought conditions,” All India Kisan Sabha leader Bhimashankar Madiyal said.
The protesters said that there has been injustice in the distribution of crop insurance compensation for the previous year and criticised the State government for delaying the declaration of drought in the district and taking emergency measures.
The bandh was supported by the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha, the All India Kisan Sabha, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha-Hasiru Sene, Jai Kannadigara Rakshana Vedike, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, Dalit Sangharsha Samithi, Karnataka Nava Nirmana Sene and Kalyana Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, among others.
Farmer leaders Moula Mulla, Nagendra Thambe, M.B. Sajjan, Kareppa Karegonda, Siddu S.L., Padmini Kiranagi and others participated in the protests.
The leaders warned that they will launch further protests if the State government fails to respond to their demands.
The police made elaborate security arrangements at the Central Bus Station and other parts of the city. No untoward incident was reported.
Published - August 20, 2026 07:08 pm IST