On Wednesday, Karnataka Pranta Raitha Sangha (KPRS) members blocked Sannur toll plaza in Kalaburagi district. They protested the toll collection from vehicles carrying sugarcane to factories. KPRS submitted a memorandum to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Public Works Department. They asked for an immediate toll exemption for all tractors and lorries transporting sugarcane on both State and National Highways. KPRS leaders said farmers face severe problems after crop losses due to unseasonal rains. They struggle with low sugarcane recovery rates, unfair weight deductions, and poor support prices. In this tough situation, paying tolls on sugarcane vehicles adds to their troubles, the memorandum stated. Sharanabasappa Mamshetty, KPRS district president, said, “Toll booths, including the Sannur plaza, have become anti-farmer by collecting money from cane-laden vehicles headed to sugar factories. The toll operators must immediately stop collecting fees from such vehicles and the government should formally notify toll exemption. We also demand a thorough inquiry into the functioning of the Sannur toll plaza and action against violations, including delays in FASTag clearance, which often exceeds the mandated 10 seconds.” He warned that failure to act will lead KPRS to intensify protests and may shut down toll plazas across the district. The farmers also condemned the recent nationwide toll hike of 4 to 5% that began Tuesday. Farmer leader Veeranna Gangani said, “The increase has made life even more difficult for ordinary citizens, especially during the holiday season when families travel for festivals, weddings and vacations. Imposing higher toll charges during such a period shows the Centre’s insensitivity towards the hardships faced by people.” KPRS criticized rising prices, fuel costs, and the Union government’s “pro-corporate policies” as worsening the crisis for common people. They also criticized both BJP and Congress, calling them "two sides of the same coin" on fuel and toll policies. The district committee plans to step up protests against policies that burden farmers and the middle class.