A statewide bandh has been called by pro-Kannada groups on March 22, protesting against an alleged assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi. The shutdown, organized by Kannada Okkoota, will last from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Key Points to Know:
- Reason for the Bandh:
The protest follows the alleged attack on a KSRTC bus conductor in February by pro-Marathi groups in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi. This incident has further fueled linguistic tensions in the region. - Impact on Bengaluru:
Bengaluru will experience a 12-hour shutdown, affecting public services and daily activities. - Bus Services:
KSRTC and BMTC employees have extended support to the bandh, raising concerns over bus service availability. However, there is no official confirmation on whether operations will be halted. - Educational Institutions:
Schools and colleges may be affected, but authorities have not issued an official closure notice. The bandh coinciding with examinations has caused concerns among students. - Ola, Uber, and Auto Services:
Ride-hailing services, including Ola and Uber, along with auto-rickshaw unions, have pledged support for the shutdown, likely affecting transportation options. - Hotel and Film Industry:
Representatives from the hospitality and film industries have expressed support for the bandh but have not specified how their operations will be affected. - Demands of Protesters:
- A ban on Marathi groups like Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Karnataka.
- Protection of Kannada-speaking residents, especially in border areas like Belagavi.
- Opposition to Bengaluru’s division into multiple administrative zones, citing potential threats to Kannada culture.
- Background of the Maharashtra-Karnataka Dispute:
Lingual tensions stem from a long-standing border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra. The Belagavi region, which has a significant Marathi-speaking population, has been a point of contention. - Maharashtra’s Claim:
Since its formation on May 1, 1960, Maharashtra has sought the merger of 865 villages, including Belagavi, Karwar, and Nippani, into its territory. Karnataka has consistently rejected these demands. - What to Expect on March 22:
With various sectors supporting the bandh, disruptions in transportation, business activities, and public services are anticipated across Karnataka.
