Pro-Kannada organizations have reaffirmed their plan to observe a Karnataka Bandh on Saturday from 6 AM to 6 PM, despite concerns over its impact. The protest is against the Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Bill and recent tensions in Belagavi, where a Karnataka bus conductor was assaulted for not speaking Marathi.
While SSLC exams remain unaffected, lower-class exams in private schools will proceed. The bandh has garnered mixed responses—cab drivers have pledged full support, while state transport employees remain undecided. Some autorickshaw unions have backed the protest, while others are yet to commit.
Vatal Nagaraj, leading the pro-Kannada groups, criticized the division of Bengaluru into multiple zones under the GBG Bill and expressed concerns over employment issues for Kannadigas in the IT and service sectors. Additionally, he opposed the governor’s use of Hindi in official speeches.
Meanwhile, the Kannada Rakshana Vedike faction led by TA Narayana Gowda distanced itself from the bandh, citing economic disruptions. “We focus on problem-solving, not just protests,” Gowda stated.
With over 2,000 activists backing the strike, disruptions in public transport and daily commutes are expected. A final decision from transport corporations is pending.
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