A statewide shutdown has been scheduled for March 22 (Saturday), set to disrupt transportation services, businesses, and educational institutions between 6 am and 6 pm. The bandh, called by the Kannada Okkuta, an alliance of various pro-Kannada groups, demands strict action against pro-Marathi activists. This call follows an alleged incident in Belagavi, where a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor was reportedly assaulted for not speaking Marathi.
The activists have also pushed for a ban on pro-Marathi groups, further intensifying an ongoing linguistic conflict between Karnataka and Maharashtra, especially in border regions.
Key Developments During Karnataka Bandh:
- Additional Security: Extra police forces have been stationed in Belagavi, Bengaluru, and other sensitive areas across the state to maintain order.
- Government Response: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that the government does not support the bandh, describing it as an inappropriate response to the assault incident.
- Transport Disruptions: Third-party vendors like Ola, Uber, and certain auto-rickshaw unions have pledged support for the bandh, which will disrupt local transport. However, metro, railway, and airport operations will continue as usual.
- Protests and Arrests: In Bengaluru, police detained protesters and moved them to Freedom Park. Police Commissioner Dayananda reassured the public of the situation’s peaceful nature, emphasizing actions would be taken only against those inciting unrest.