To protest an alleged assault on a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi, pro-Kannada groups have called for a 12-hour statewide shutdown amid the language row in Karnataka on March 22.
The shutdown will be implemented on March 22 (Saturday) from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Who Have Called The Bandh?
On February 28, the bandh was announced by 'Kannada Okkuta,' an umbrella organization collectively representing various pro-Kannada outfits.
As per PTI, certain organizations and unions have either chosen not to support the bandh or have decided to offer only moral support. Prominent pro-Kannada groups, including the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike factions led by T A Narayana Gowda and Praveen Shetty, have also abstained from supporting the bandh.
What Is The Bandh About?
The enrire row stemmed from an assault on a bus conductor on a KSRTC bus in February for refusing to speak 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. A state-run bus conductor was allegedly assaulted by a group of Marathi-speaking people for not conversing in that language, while on duty.
Following the development, the inter-state bus services between Maharashtra and Karnataka were suspended.
'Bandh is for the sake of Kannada, Kannadigas': Pro-Kannada Activist Vatal Nagaraj
Commenting on the need for the bandh, Pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj said, "This bandh is for the sake of Kannada, Kannadigas. Everyone should support the bandh for the sake of Kannadigas, their pride and self respect. This is Kannadiga's bandh from Belagavi to Chamarajanagara and Mangaluru to Kolar on March 22."
Speaking to reporters, he said it seems as though Belagavi is in the hands of Marathi speaking people and not Kannadigas, also politicians and Ministers from Belagavi are working as "agents of Marathis".
"Pro Kannada organisations have been fighting for the cause of Kannada continuously. We don't want Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Belagavi, I urge the Karnataka government to ban MES. We need to save Belagavi. The state transport bus conductor was assaulted by some Marathi speaking people in Belagavi in Karnataka. The bandh on March 22 is for bus drivers and conductors," he added.
To a question on certain pro-Kannada and other organisations not supporting the bandh, Nagraj said he has appealed to them to participate in it for the cause of Kannada.
What All Are Open/Closed On March 22?
While there is no official confirmation on what will remain closed during the 12 hour shutdown, several public service sectors are expected to experience low workflow and attendence.
Govt Offices: While state government offices will be open officially, attendance and workflow is expected to be low due to transport challenges.
Public/Private Transport: During the shutdown, the state-run public transport services by BMTC and KSRTC are expected to be affected. However, there is no official confirmation yet. Moreover, private cab and auto services are likely to be impacted as well.
Bank: There is no official confirmation on whether the banks will be open or closed. However, banks are generally closed on the fourth Saturday of every month. Since March 22 is the fourth Saturday, banks will remain closed across the country. RBI has also designated March 22 as a bank holiday in Patna due to Bihar Diwas.
Schools & colleges: Many institutions have declared a holiday as a precaution whle several others have adopted a 'wait and watch' approach to decide.Parents and students should check with their respective schools.
Shops & businesses: Markets, shopping complexes, and local stores in areas like Chickpet, KR Market, and Gandhi Bazaar may remain closed.
Malls & theaters: Some malls, multiplexes, and entertainment hubs could down shutters if protests escalate.
