A collective wave of frustration swept through Shikaripur on Thursday as the town observed a complete shutdown, or ‘bandh’, in a powerful demonstration against the new toll plaza at Kutrahalli village. This widespread protest, spearheaded by the Raitha Sangha and various other local organizations, saw a robust turnout from the community.
The core of the residents’ discontent stems from the presence of two toll plazas on State Highway 57 within an unusually short distance of just 35 kilometers – one at Kutrahalli and another already operational at Kallapura. This dual toll system is widely perceived as an unnecessary financial burden on daily commuters and local businesses.
Support for the bandh was undeniable. The Raitha Sangha, along with several pro-Kannada associations, had previously urged public participation, an appeal that resonated deeply. Even B.Y. Raghavendra, a prominent BJP MP, had publicly extended his solidarity with the protesting groups. Shopkeepers across the taluk played their part by shuttering their establishments for the day, though public and private vehicle movement largely continued without interruption, indicating a peaceful yet firm demonstration.
Shivaraj Sunnada Koppa, who serves as the convener of the committee actively campaigning for the toll plaza’s removal, highlighted the daily plight of countless farmers. He stated, “Hundreds of farmers traverse this route daily, and forcing them to pay fees at two plazas in such close proximity is an unfair financial strain. This goes against established policy norms.” Koppa further emphasized the community’s resolve, adding, “Despite numerous protests, our pleas have been ignored by the government. We are prepared to escalate our agitation in the coming days until this toll plaza is permanently removed.”
The protest culminated in a spirited march through the town, where hundreds of farmers from Shikaripur and Shiralakoppa joined forces, showcasing a united front. In anticipation of potential unrest, the taluk administration had taken precautionary measures, deploying a significant police presence at the plaza to maintain order. Public gatherings at the site were also temporarily restricted to prevent any untoward incidents.