Bengaluru: More than 1,400 organizations have called for a 12-hour Karanataka bandh, over the implementation of Kalasa Banduri project here, on September 26. This is the third Karnataka bandh call given in the last 30 days.
Meanwhile, Kannada groups took out a bike rally in the city demanding the Kalasa Banduri project. All the malls and cinema theatres in the city were shut. According to reports, Auto drivers were fined by the police for charging passengers exorbitantly in Bengaluru.
The State-wide bandh call evoked good response in Belgavi, Hassan, Mandya, Gadag and Tumakuru, Davanagere and other districts. Karnataka bandh call failed to evoke response in the coastal region and Raichur district.
People of the coastal region are upset with the state government over the implementation of Nethravathi river diversion project. Raichur district is upset with the center’s decision to start a new IIT in Dharwad district.
Auto unions, cab service providers, BMTC/ KSRTC employees unions have announced their support and have decided to withdraw their services. Government employees union, Kannada film industry, truck owners association and various trade bodies have extended their support to the bandh call.
As a part of the bandh call, a protest march will be held in the city. According to Vatal Nagaraj, Ex MLA and leader of pro-Kannada organizations, a protest rally will start from Town Hall and assemble at Freedom Park.
The state government has announced a holiday for the schools and colleges as a precautionary measure. The Department of Public Instruction has announced a holiday for all schools keeping in mind law and order situation.
