Pro-Kannada groups announce statewide shutdown on March 22

Pro-Kannada groups have called for a 12-hour statewide bandh on Saturday i.e., March 22nd from 6AM to 6PM, in response to the alleged assault of a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi. The Bandh was announced by Kannada Okkoota, an umbrella organization of various pro-Kannada groups, following the incident in February, where the conductor was reportedly attacked by individuals affiliated with pro-Marathi groups. This event has sparked growing tensions around linguistic and regional issues in the area. 

Also Read: Call for Karnataka Bandh on March 22 gains widespread support

What will be affected ? 

Educational institutions: The bandh coincides with ongoing exams, raising concerns among students and parents. While some educational institutions have expressed moral support, they have not confirmed closures. 

Transport services: KSRTC and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) unions have shown support for the bandh, signaling possible disruptions in the transport services. Additionally, services like Uber and Ola along with auto-rickshaw unions have pledged support which could result in limited availability of these services. 

Commercial establishment: While the hotel and film industries have shown moral support, they are unlikely to fully participate, meaning their services will likely continue. 

What are the protestors demand?

The organizers of the Karnataka bandh have made several demands, including the banning of pro-Marathi groups such as the Maharashta Ekikaran Samiti (MES), accusing them of fostering  violence and disturbing social harmony. They are calling for stronger protections for Kannada speakers, especially in areas like Belagavi, and opposing the proposed division of Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones, fearing it could undermine the city’s Kannada cultural identity. Additionally, cab driver and auto-rickshaw associations are protesting the growth of two-wheeler taxi services, which they claim are harming their businesses