Pro-Kannada and farmer groups in Karnataka have called for a statewide bandh, affecting daily life in the state. This marks the second strike in Bengaluru this week, following a city-wide bandh on Tuesday. While the bandh is expected to disrupt normal activities, essential services will continue to operate.
The call for the bandh, led by the pro-Kannada group Kannada Chaluvali, has garnered significant support. Vatal Nagaraj, a prominent leader of the group, expressed determination in their call for the statewide Bandh. Nagaraj stated, “Everyone will support the bandh. We will protest in front of the Raj Bhavan. We will block national highways and airports. Buses, taxis, and autos will support the bandh.” However, it’s worth noting that the Bengaluru police did not grant permission for the bandh, and Section 144 is expected to be imposed across the tech capital, prohibiting large gatherings.
The bandh is primarily in protest of the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The Bengaluru Commissioner of Police emphasized the Supreme Court’s ruling that forbids all forms of bandh. The sanctioned location for protests and rallies is Freedom Park. However, organizations can lend their support voluntarily rather than through force. The responsible protesting organization will be held accountable for any property damage.
Services Likely to Be Closed:
- Schools and Colleges: Educational institutions have declared holidays and expressed moral support for the protests against releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
- Private Cab Services and Auto Rickshaws: The Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union and Ola Uber Drivers and Owners’ Association are supporting the bandh. They will hold a rally from Nayandahalli to Freedom Park.
- Shopping Malls and Movie Theaters: All shopping malls and movie theaters in the state will remain closed in solidarity with the Karnataka bandh.
- Farmers and Traders in Northern Karnataka: While they extend moral support to the bandh, they will not shut down their businesses in the northern parts of Karnataka, such as Ballari, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Yadgir, Hubballi-Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Koppal, and Davangere.
Services That Will Function:
- Public Transport: Buses and metro services will operate without disruptions. Transport corporations like KSRTC and BMTC have not announced support for the bandh.
- Banks: Both public and private banks will maintain their regular operations without changes in timing.
- Emergency Services: Ambulances, pharmaceutical vehicles, and other vital goods carriers will continue to function. Hospitals and medical stores will operate as usual.
While the bandh may lead to inconveniences in certain sectors, the essential services remaining operational aim to minimize disruptions and ensure public welfare during this period of protest.
Sources By Agencies
