Former Minister Bommie Urges Balance Between Public Health and Betel Cultivation

Former Karnataka chief minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai responded to the controversy, stressing the need for a balanced approach that safeguards public health while protecting the interests of betel growers. He warned that any unilateral decision affecting the betel sector could have severe repercussions for farmers who have invested heavily in the crop, often waiting up to five years for a harvest. Bommai called for compensation measures if the ban proceeds.