Karnataka Bandh On March 22: Know Why It’s Happening And What Will Be Closed

Karnataka Bandh: This Saturday, Karnataka will come to a standstill for 12 hours as tensions rise over regional language disputes and the alleged mistreatment of Kannadigas in border areas. The protest, organised by Kannada Okkoota, is a response to a violent incident where a bus conductor was reportedly attacked for not speaking Marathi.

Reason Behind the Karnataka Bandh

The protest was triggered by a recent attack on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor. According to reports, the conductor was assaulted because he couldn’t speak Marathi. The incident began when a young man and woman on the bus argued with the conductor and driver over the language issue. Things turned violent when the passengers called in others who physically attacked the conductor, leaving him hospitalised with serious injuries.

Police have arrested four people in connection with the attack. However, the case has become more complicated as the female passenger involved has accused the conductor of making inappropriate remarks and threatening her.

In response to the incident, veteran pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj called for a statewide protest. On Tuesday, March 18, Kannada Okkoota officially announced the bandh, which will take place on Saturday, March 22, from 6 am to 6 pm.

Protesters are demanding the banning of the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti, an organisation that advocates for the integration of Marathi-speaking areas into Maharashtra. Additionally, they have called for a ban on Shiv Sena members from entering Karnataka.

"No drivers should operate their vehicles on the day of the bandh. It is a matter of self-esteem and respect for the drivers in the state," Nagaraj stated, referring to the protest as the 'Karnataka Drivers' Bandh.' He also urged residents to avoid using Metro services during the shutdown period, connecting this request to recent fare increases.

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The protest has gained support from various groups, including, Ola and Uber drivers and owners, Private bus operators, and Autorickshaw unions. The hotel industry and Kannada film sector have also expressed their support, while some trade unions are still deciding whether to join.

Services Affected in Karnataka Bandh

• RTC buses will not run during the 12-hour bandh
• A protest march will start at 9:30 am from Freedom Park
• Metro services might be affected, though no official announcement has been made
• Essential services like hospitals will remain open

This bandh is the latest development in the ongoing tensions between Karnataka and neighbouring Maharashtra, especially in border areas like Belagavi, where language and cultural identities have long been a source of conflict.

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Image courtesy: Freepik