Pro-Kannada groups have called for a 12-hour statewide shutdown amid the language row in Karnataka. This demand comes after the alleged assault of a bus conductor on Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi.
As per reports, the shutdown - which will be implemented on March 22 (Saturday) from 6 AM to 6 PM, has been called by Kannada Okkoota, an umbrella organisation of various pro-Kannada groups.
In February 2025, a bus conductor on a KSRTC bus was assaulted for not speaking in Marathi. On the same day, a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus, which was plying from Bengaluru to Mumbai, was attacked in Chitradurga around 9.10 pm on Friday by pro-Kannada activists.
This incident sparked outrage in the two states, prompting Maharashtra to shut down the state bus service for the neighbouring state.
The incident not only sparked the language debate but also border tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Karnataka Bandh On March 22 | Details
What Will Be Affected?
As far as schools and colleges are concerned, authorities have stated that the exams and classes will be continued as scheduled. In case of any changes, parents and guardians are requested to contact their wards respective schools.
Disruptions in bus services are expected as groups representing Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have expressed solidarity with the bandh. Along with this, ride sharing associations such as Uber, Ola and auto rickshaw unions have expressed solidarity, hinting towards limited availability.
What Is The Reason?
In addition to the tensions caused by the language row, the bandh has also been called to protest the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill.
As per reports, citizen groups have claimed that the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill violates the 74th Constitutional Amendment by granting the state government undue control over the Greater Bengaluru Area.
Civic groups have further added that the bill undermines the state election commission and will cause a delay in the BBMP elections.
As per a report by the Indian Express, the bandh organisers have also called for a ban on pro-Marathi groups such as Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Karnataka.
