Karnataka bandh sees mixed response in Mysuru, north Karnataka.
Kannada organisations staged bike rallies and marches across various parts of Karnataka, urging people to support the bandh. Protesters passionately appealed to shopkeepers and businesses to cooperate and stand in solidarity with the cause. Several groups gathered in key areas, waving Kannada flags and chanting slogans to express their demands. The demonstrations saw active participation from activists, students, and local leaders. While some commercial establishments remained closed, others operated cautiously amid the ongoing protests. The bandh received varied responses across different districts, with some regions witnessing complete shutdowns, while others continued with regular activities under police monitoring to maintain order.
Karnataka Bandh Sees Mixed Response Amid Protests Over Assault on Bus Conductor
Bengaluru: Karnataka witnessed a 12-hour statewide bandh on Saturday, called by pro-Kannada groups to protest against the alleged assault on a state-run bus conductor in Belagavi last month for not knowing Marathi. While the bandh saw sporadic protests and demonstrations across the state, its overall impact remained mixed, with daily activities in several regions continuing as usual.
Protests Across Karnataka
In Bengaluru and other major cities, pro-Kannada activists took to the streets, marching through different areas, waving Kannada flags, and raising slogans demanding justice. Bike rallies were seen in multiple districts, with protesters urging the public to support the bandh. Many demonstrators appealed to shopkeepers, businesses, and transport operators to cooperate and stand in solidarity with the cause.
However, the response from businesses and shop owners was largely lukewarm, as most commercial establishments remained open despite the calls for a shutdown. Public transport services, including buses, auto-rickshaws, and metro trains, operated as usual in most parts of the state, though some drivers voluntarily stayed off the roads for fear of violence.
Bengaluru: Business as Usual with Minor Disruptions
In the Central Business District (CBD) of Bengaluru, the bandh’s impact was minimal. While traffic density remained lower than usual, autos were seen operating near metro stations, providing essential transportation services. Some auto-rickshaw drivers chose to stay off the roads in solidarity with the protest, saying they would resume operations after 2 p.m.
Despite the bandh, government offices, IT companies, and educational institutions remained unaffected, continuing their operations without any disruptions. Some private schools, however, opted for an online mode of teaching, anticipating possible disturbances.
Mysuru: Protesters Block Buses but Shops Remain Open
In Mysuru, the bandh received a mixed response. While a few pro-Kannada activists staged a sit-in protest at the suburban bus stand, blocking the movement of buses for some time, the disruption was short-lived. Authorities quickly intervened to ensure normalcy was restored.
Many shops and businesses in Mysuru continued operations as usual, with local traders stating that bandhs often lead to economic losses and do not always serve their intended purpose. However, certain transport services saw a temporary halt in specific areas, particularly where activists were staging demonstrations.
Belagavi: The Epicenter of the Protest
Belagavi, where the alleged assault on the KSRTC bus conductor took place, witnessed some of the most intense protests. Pro-Kannada groups demanded strict action against those responsible and reiterated their stand on ensuring Kannada speakers are treated with dignity in Karnataka.
Police were deployed in large numbers to prevent any escalation of violence. While protests remained largely peaceful, there were some tense moments as protesters engaged in heated exchanges with local authorities.
North Karnataka: Partial Response to Bandh
The bandh saw partial success in northern Karnataka districts like Hubballi, Dharwad, and Kalaburagi. While some business owners chose to shut down for a few hours, others continued operating.
Public transport in these regions functioned without major disruptions, although a few private bus operators suspended services out of caution. Protesters in these cities held bike rallies, visited marketplaces, and urged vendors and shopkeepers to close their businesses for the day.
Why Was the Bandh Called?
The bandh was organized following an incident in Belagavi, where a KSRTC bus conductor was allegedly assaulted for not knowing Marathi. Pro-Kannada groups condemned the attack, stating that Kannadigas should not face discrimination in their own state.
Belagavi, which has historical tensions over language and border issues, has been a hotbed for disputes between Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities for decades. This incident reignited regional sentiments, prompting activists to demand immediate government action.
Government’s Stance and Security Arrangements
The Karnataka government, while acknowledging the grievances, made it clear that strict measures would be taken to prevent law and order issues. Security was tightened across the state, particularly in sensitive areas like Belagavi, Hubballi, and Bengaluru.
“While the government respects peaceful protests, we will not tolerate any disruption of public life or damage to property,” a senior police official said.
Heavy police deployment ensured that no major violence was reported. Additional forces were stationed in bus terminals, railway stations, and commercial hubs to prevent any untoward incidents.
Opposition and Public Reactions
The bandh received divided opinions from the public. While pro-Kannada activists and organizations called it a necessary step to protect Kannada identity, many ordinary citizens questioned the effectiveness of such strikes.
A local business owner in Bengaluru said:
If they want justice, they should protest in a way that does not affect ordinary citizens.”
Meanwhile, daily wage workers, especially in the transport and food sectors, were among the worst affected, as bandhs often lead to financial losses for them.
Political parties also reacted differently. While Kannada organizations and regional leaders backed the bandh, some opposition parties criticized it, saying that dialogue and legal action were better alternatives than disrupting public life.
Conclusion: A Bandh with Limited Impact
Despite strong efforts by pro-Kannada groups, the bandh failed to bring the state to a standstill. Most businesses, public transport, and essential services remained operational, with only sporadic protests and minor disruptions reported.
The incident in Belagavi has once again brought language politics and regional identity to the forefront in Karnataka. While the protesters successfully highlighted their demands, the limited participation in the bandh suggests that public sentiment remains divided on whether such strikes are the right approach.
With tensions between Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities resurfacing, the state government now faces the challenge of ensuring peace, inclusivity, and justice while addressing the concerns raised by the protesters.
For now, life in Karnataka has largely returned to normal, but the debate over linguistic identity and regional respect is far from over.