Karnataka Bandh on March 22: Cabs, autos to stay off roads; schools yet to decide

Karnataka Bandh

Pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka have called for a 12-hour state-wide shutdown on March 22 to protest against the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill and an incident in Belagavi where a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus conductor was attacked for not speaking in Marathi.

The bandh will be called from 6 am to 6 pm by Kannada Okkoota, an organisation of various pro-Kannada groups. The bandh organisers have also called for a prohibition on organisations like Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) within Karnataka.

The bandh coincides with ongoing examinations in the state, with some schools and colleges expressing moral support for the bandh, keeping parents in dark about closures.

TOI quoted D Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of the association, saying, "We want to participate in the protest, but we can only extend moral support due to the ongoing exams across the state. Cancelling or postponing them will affect children, which we don't want to happen."

While KSRTC employees have expressed moral support for the bandh, they have yet to officially decide whether buses will be operational on March 22.

“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,” Kannada Okkoota leader Vatal Nagaraj was quoted by News Minute.

The Ola and Uber Drivers’ and Owners’ Association has confirmed that no cabs will operate during the bandh. Autorickshaw drivers' union (CITU) has also pledged support, meaning auto-rickshaws will likely stay off the roads.