Kushalnagar: The cry for new Cauvery taluk intensified with the government preparing to make a formal declaration of 50 taluks on January 1. Shops and business establishments downed shutters supporting the bandh call in order to step up pressure on the government before the final announcement are made.
V P Shashidhar, heading the Taluk Formation Action Committee led people by resorting to road blocks at two places by forming human chain. Vehicular movement on the busy Madikeri-Mysuru state highway was disrupted for a long time as their queue lengthened for over 4 kms on either side of the city centre.
Government buses were seen plying with limited passengers. Private buses and auto rickshaws stayed off roads in support for the bandh call. Educational institutions remained open with thin student attendance where as petrol bunks remained closed.
Kushalnagar being the nodal centre connecting Hassan, Mysuru , Madikeri and Mangaluru cities has grown over the years as the commercial and industrial hub. People in the town are demanding a separate taluk status with Kushalnagar as the headquarters bifurcating the present Somwarpet taluk .
People supporting the bandh blocked roads for an hour from 10.30 PM and sat agitating till 1 PM at General Cariappa Circle near the main bus-stand. They were seen shouting slogans demanding Cauvery taluk.
It may be recalled that the state revenue minister had made an announcement to form 50 taluks by January 1. The state government aims to include four more based on the needs of the people in those areas. People in and around Kushalnagar, want to capitalise on the situation by ensuring the inclusion of the town in taluk list to realise their long pending dream.
Leaders from political parties setting aside their political affiliation, backed the bandh call. Several other organisations including local chamber of commerce, private bus owners’ association too supported the bandh call demanding a separate taluk.
Hotels and eateries remained closed in the town and tourists were seen struggling. Hotels in Koppa, an adjoining town, made brisk business on the bandh day.
The call for a new taluk has gained further momentum in view of the impending visit of state chief minister to the district. People in the region are hopeful of Chief Minister Siddaramiah making a formal statement in favour of the new taluk with Kushalnagar as headquarters. The move to declare Kushalnagar as new taluk may have wide political ramifications, benefitting the ruling Congress regime in the state in the forthcoming assembly elections.
Police made elaborate security arrangements to prevent untoward incidents.
Overall, the bandh remained peaceful but solution elusive!
