Karnataka is set to observe a statewide bandh on March 22, as the Kannada Okkuta, a coalition of pro-Kannada groups, protests an alleged assault on a state-run bus conductor in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi. The incident has intensified the long-standing Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute and reignited language-based tensions.
Vattal Nagaraj, a prominent Kannada activist and leader of Kannada Okkuta, announced the bandh, which will take place from 6 am to 6 pm across the state. Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Nagaraj emphasized the need for all organizations and leaders to support the shutdown. He called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, and other public figures to back the bandh, including suspending state-run bus services for the day.
The protest also includes various events such as a siege of Raj Bhavan on March 3, a Belagavi Chalo procession on March 7, and several protests in Mandya, Mysuru, and Ramanagara throughout March. Nagaraj has also called on hotel owners, the film industry, and farmers’ associations to join the movement, highlighting the importance of the protest for Kannadiga pride.
The assault incident occurred on a Belagavi to Balekundri bus when a conductor was allegedly attacked by Marathi-speaking youths for not using the Marathi language. This led to the suspension of inter-state bus services between Maharashtra and Karnataka, further escalating tensions.
The Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute dates back to 1957, with Maharashtra claiming Belagavi due to its Marathi-speaking population, while Karnataka maintains its rightful claim based on the 1967 Mahajan Commission Report.
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