All Informaction Karnataka Bandh
Karnataka Bandh Today :
Pro-Kannada organizations have announced a 12-hour shutdown in Karnataka on Saturday, March 22, starting at 6 am and ending at 6 pm. The bandh is a response to an alleged incident in Belagavi, where a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor was reportedly assaulted for not conversing in Marathi. This incident has reignited tensions surrounding linguistic diversity and community relations in the region.
Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D. K. Shivakumar, announced on Thursday that the Siddaramaiah-led government would not back the state-wide bandh scheduled for Saturday. Stressing the impact on students appearing for exams, he stated, “We will convince the organizations that this is not the right way forward.”
Security arrangements have been tightened, with additional forces deployed in Belagavi and other sensitive areas across the state. Residents, commuters, and businesses have been warned of potential disruptions during the 12-hour bandh.
Reasons Of Karnataka Bandh :
The protest stems from an incident last month in Belagavi, where a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor was allegedly attacked for not speaking Marathi. The attack, reportedly linked to pro-Marathi organizations, reignited the decades-old language dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra. This conflict has its roots in Maharashtra’s post-independence claim over Belagavi, citing its large Marathi-speaking population.
Following the attack, bus services between the two states were suspended, intensifying tensions. In response, Kannada Okkuta, a coalition of pro-Kannada organizations, called for the bandh to demand strict action against the pro-Marathi groups responsible for the incident. They also sought a ban on such organizations to maintain communal harmony.
What’s Open or Closed Today :
Bus Services: The KSRTC and BMTC unions have supported the bandh, likely affecting bus operations across Karnataka.
App-Based Transport: Services such as Ola, Uber, and some rickshaw unions have also expressed support, leading to disruptions. However, metro, railway, and airport services will function normally.
Banks & Schools: Banks will remain closed since it’s a Saturday. While some schools and colleges may declare holidays, no official confirmation has been provided.
Businesses: Many restaurants and cinemas plan to stay operational despite extending symbolic support to pro-Kannada organizations.
Government Offices & Essentials: Government offices will function as usual, and all healthcare and other essential services will remain unaffected.
