Karnataka bandh on March 22: Why Bengaluru and other cities will witness a 12-hour statewide shutdown between 6am and 6pm

Pro-Kannada groups have called for a 12-hour statewide shutdown, from 6 am to 6 pm, in Karnataka on March 22. The bandh, organised by Kannada Okkoota, is in response to an alleged assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi, according to media reports. The shutdown will be in effect from 6 am to 6 pm, impacting normal life across the state.

Karnataka Bandh March 22 Reason

The bandh was announced after a KSRTC bus conductor was allegedly attacked by pro-Marathi groups in Belagavi in February. The incident reportedly occurred due to the conductor not speaking in Marathi, adding to the ongoing linguistic tensions in the region.

Karnataka Bandh Demands

The organisers have put forward several demands, including:

A ban on Marathi groups such as Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Karnataka.

Measures to protect the Kannada-speaking population, especially in border areas like Belagavi.

Opposition to the proposed division of Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones, citing concerns about its impact on Kannada culture.

Karnataka Bandh March 22: Historical background of language tensions

Linguistic tensions between Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities in Karnataka stem from a long-standing border dispute with Maharashtra, particularly in Belagavi. The dispute dates back to the formation of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960. Maharashtra has claimed 865 villages, including Belagavi, Karwar, and Nippani, and has sought a merger with its territory. Karnataka has consistently opposed any changes to its borders.

Organisers are demanding a ban on Marathi groups like the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Karnataka. They also seek measures to protect the Kannada-speaking population, especially in border areas, and oppose dividing Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones.

The underlying tension arises from a border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra dating back to Maharashtra's formation in 1960. Maharashtra claims 865 villages, including Belagavi, Karwar, and Nippani, which Karnataka refuses to cede.

Karnataka Bandh: Impact on Bengaluru

Bengaluru will be affected by the bandh on March 22. Public services in the city may be disrupted as various organizations have extended their support to the protest.

Bus services likely to be affected: Bus services may not be available across the state during the shutdown. Employees of KSRTC and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have expressed support for the bandh. However, there has been no official confirmation from KSRTC or BMTC regarding the suspension of services.

Uncertainty over educational institutions: There is no official confirmation on whether schools and colleges will remain closed. The bandh has raised concerns among students as it coincides with examination schedules.

Ola, Uber, and auto services may be disrupted: The Karnataka bandh has received support from the Ola, Uber Owners and Drivers Association, as well as other auto-rickshaw unions. According to an Indian Express report, these unions have pledged support for the bandh, which may impact ride-hailing services.

Bandh supported by hotel and film industry: Representatives from the hotel and film industries have extended support to the bandh. However, there is no clarity on how the shutdown will affect their operations.