Belagavi, Oct. 26 -- A meeting of sugarcane farmer leaders at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here on Monday descended into a scuffle over the demand for a higher price for sugarcane, with police intervening to restore order.
The confrontation reportedly broke out between supporters of farmer leaders Kodihalli Chandrashekhar and Chunappa Poojary over the demand for Rs 4,500 or Rs 5,500 per tonne, exposing differences within the farmers' movement at a time when growers are pressing the state government and sugar mills for a remunerative price.
The dispute allegedly intensified when Mahantesh Jamadar, associated with the Chandrashekhar faction, was speaking at the meeting. Members of the opposing group reportedly objected and took the microphone...