Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar says collective effort needed to solve sugarcane growers’ woes

Sugarcane growers’ concerns

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the state must adopt a "collective effort" to resolve the long‑standing problems of sugarcane growers, including their demand for a minimum support price (MSP). "If farmers grow sugarcane, factories will run. At the same time, factories must crush sugarcane without incurring losses. Only then will both survive," he told media near his Sadashivanagar residence.

Shivakumar announced that he would hold a separate dialogue with farmers and sugar‑factory owners, and that central ministers, MPs and local ministers from the region would be invited to a future meeting. He reiterated his commitment to the growers in Belagavi, saying, "I have given my word to the farmers in Belagavi."

Preparing for local body elections

The chief minister reminded that the Supreme Court has ordered Karnataka’s local‑body polls to be completed by 31 December 2026. The Election Commission is slated to publish a fresh voters’ list on 27 October 2026, and Shivakumar has asked all ministers to be ready for the announcement.

He highlighted a recent cabinet decision in Mangaluru to release funds for road and drinking‑water projects at the Panchayat level. MLAs have been asked to submit funding reports, and Shivakumar conveyed his festival greetings to the people of the state.

Seeking drought‑relief assistance

With large parts of northern Karnataka facing severe drought, Shivakumar said he has requested an appointment with the Union government to discuss additional assistance. A date for the meeting has not yet been fixed, but the chief minister stressed that the request underscores the state’s proactive stance on disaster response.

Coordination with senior leaders

The closed‑door meeting with senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah in Mysuru, as reported by Deccan Herald, reflects ongoing intra‑party coordination ahead of the elections. While the two leaders did not disclose details of their discussion, the gathering signals a unified approach to tackling farmer issues, election readiness and disaster relief.

Shivakumar concluded by wishing everyone a happy Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami, underscoring the administration’s focus on stability and development as the state moves into a busy electoral calendar.