---
title: "Karnataka Gutka Ban Withdrawal Demanded by MP, Cites Farmer Impact"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/karnataka-gutka-ban-withdrawal-demanded-mp-ml06j
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-14T06:00:14.120Z
modified: 2026-08-14T09:30:05.507Z
language: en-IN
---

# Karnataka Gutka Ban Withdrawal Demanded by MP, Cites Farmer Impact

Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra has demanded the Karnataka government withdraw its one-year ban on gutka and pan masala within 24 hours. He claims the ban harms arecanut farmers and was influenced by cigarette companies.

## Key takeaways

- MP B.Y. Raghavendra demands the Karnataka government withdraw its one-year gutka ban within 24 hours.
- He argues the ban negatively affects arecanut farmers and alleges influence from cigarette companies.
- The Karnataka government officially banned the sale and distribution of gutka and pan masala on August 10.
- This prohibition extends for one year and covers various tobacco and nicotine-containing products.

Member of Parliament for Shivamogga, B.Y. Raghavendra, has called on the Karnataka government to revoke the recently imposed ban on gutka and pan masala. Mr. Raghavendra stated in Shivamogga on August 14 that the ban, which is in effect for one year, negatively impacts arecanut growers, leading to a drop in the commodity's market price shortly after the order was issued.

He further alleged that lobbying efforts by cigarette companies influenced the government's decision. Mr. Raghavendra threatened street protests by the BJP if the order is not withdrawn immediately. He questioned the government's focus on gutka while arguing that it should instead consider banning cigarettes and liquor, citing an increase in liquor licenses and shops under the current Congress administration.

## What Happened

The Karnataka government prohibited the sale and distribution of gutka, pan masala, and other tobacco or nicotine-containing products across the state for one year, effective August 10. This prohibition was issued under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Regulation 2.3.4 of related regulations. The Food Safety Commissioner stated that this new notification aligns the prohibition with the Act, superseding a previous permanent order that was not in conformity.

## Key Facts

- Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra demanded the withdrawal of the gutka ban in Karnataka within 24 hours.
- He stated the ban would impact arecanut growers and noted a price drop in areca within a day of the order.
- Mr. Raghavendra alleged lobbying by cigarette companies influenced the government's decision.
- He questioned the ban's focus, pointing to increased liquor licenses and shops under the Congress government.
- The Karnataka government prohibited the sale and distribution of gutka, pan masala, and other tobacco/nicotine products for one year, effective August 10.
- The latest prohibition was issued under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- The ban applies to both packaged and unpackaged products, and those sold separately but mixed by consumers.

## Background

Karnataka had previously banned the manufacture and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine in 2013. The latest prohibition is intended to conform with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/karnataka-gutka-ban-withdrawal-demanded-mp-ml06j
Reported from: Multiple Sources