Karnataka bandh: Normal life in Bengaluru may not be affected

Bengaluru

A state-wide bandh called by Kannada Okkuta on March 22 to protest the recent attack on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver in Maharashtra is unlikely to disrupt normal life in Bengaluru.

While some transport services may be disrupted, essential services and daily activities are expected to function as usual.

Kannada Okkuta, an umbrella organisation representing multiple pro-Kannada groups led by activist Vatal Nagaraj, has called for a 6am to 6pm bandh following an alleged assault on a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi last month for not knowing Marathi.

However, the protest’s impact may be limited as other pro-Kannada organisations, including factions of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike led by TA Narayana Gowda and Praveen Shetty, have not endorsed the bandh.

Officials said that BMTC buses and Bengaluru Metro services will operate as usual, while KSRTC bus services may face disruptions in some parts of the state. The availability of cabs and auto-rickshaws in the city could be affected as some unions have decided to join the bandh, while others are expected to operate in most areas.

Schools affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) said that the Class 12 ISC home science exam will not be postponed.

Some malls, multiplexes, and restaurants may shut if protests escalate, though the Karnataka State Hotel Association has clarified that hotels will stay open.

Essential services, including hospitals, pharmacies, and medical facilities, will operate without interruptions. Train and flight services are expected to run on schedule, though authorities have urged passengers to plan ahead due to disruption of transport services. App-based delivery platforms and food delivery aggregators will also remain operational.

Bengaluru police will deploy additional forces in areas such as Majestic, Town Hall, Mysuru Bank Circle, and Freedom Park.

Organisers of the bandh have put forth several demands, including a ban on Marathi groups like Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Karnataka, protection for Kannada-speaking residents in border areas, and opposition to any proposal to divide Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the state government does not support the bandh and will hold discussions with pro-Kannada organisations to dissuade them from enforcing the shutdown.