Pro-Kannada groups to protest 'ill-treatment' to Kannadigas; to hold bandh on March 22

Pro-Kannada organizations, led by veteran activist Vatal Nagaraj, have announced a statewide Karnataka Bandh on March 22, condemning repeated attacks on Kannadigas by Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) supporters in Belagavi. The decision was made during a high-level meeting held at Woodlands Hotel in Bengaluru.

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The trigger for the agitation was the recent assault on a Karnataka transport bus conductor by alleged MES activists. Expressing outrage, Kannada leaders accused the state government of failing to take strict action, allowing such incidents to recur.

During the meeting, Nagaraj criticized successive governments for their inaction, stating, "Kannadigas are constantly under attack, but political leaders choose to turn a blind eye. The injustice in Belagavi must stop." As part of their statewide agitation, pro-Kannada organizations have planned a series of protests leading up to the bandh.

Planned Agitation Timeline:

• March 3 – Raj Bhavan Siege at 11 AM
• March 7 – Belagavi Chalo protest
• March 11 – Closure of Attibele (Tamil Nadu border)
• March 14 – Protests in Ramanagara, Mandya, and Mysuru
• March 17 – Blockade of Hoskote-Chennai Highway
• March 18 – Final pro-Kannada meeting
• March 22 – Karnataka Bandh (6 AM to 6 PM)

Several Kannada activists, including Sara Govindu, Praveen Shetty, Kannada Kumar, Jagadish, and Girish Gowda, have pledged their support for the protests. The bandh is expected to impact daily life across Karnataka, with transport and commercial activities likely to be affected.