Several Dalit organizations have announced a bandh in Hubballi-Dharwad on Thursday, January 9, 2025, protesting Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament.

Dalit leader Gurunath Ullikashi stated that the bandh will be enforced from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the support of over 102 organizations. “We aim to make this bandh impactful by shutting down all roads in the twin cities,” he said. The protest will affect commercial establishments, hotels, cinema theatres, schools, colleges, government offices, and auto-rickshaw services, while vehicles will be barred except for essential services.

However, organizers assured that hospitals, medical stores, ambulances, and milk vans would remain unaffected, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical services.

The bandh reflects widespread anger among Dalit communities and is expected to see significant participation.