Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: A statewide bandh called by Kannada Okkuta on March 22 in protest against an alleged assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver in Maharashtra is not expected to significantly affect normal life in the state capital.
The 12-hour bandh, scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm, is being organized by Kannada Okkuta—an umbrella body of pro-Kannada groups—following an incident in Belagavi last month, where a KSRTC bus conductor was allegedly attacked for not speaking Marathi. However, the protest’s impact in Bengaluru appears limited as prominent groups like the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike factions led by TA Narayana Gowda and Praveen Shetty have not backed the bandh.
Transport services are expected to operate mostly without disruption in the capital. Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses and Namma Metro will run on schedule, while KSRTC operations may face partial disturbances in certain regions of the state. Availability of cabs and auto-rickshaws in the city might vary, with some unions supporting the bandh and others opting to continue operations.
Educational institutions have also issued updates. Schools affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) confirmed that the ISC Class 12 home science exam will proceed as planned and will not be postponed due to the protest.
While some commercial establishments such as malls, multiplexes, and restaurants may temporarily shut if the protest escalates, the Karnataka State Hotel Association has assured that most hotels will remain open. Meanwhile, essential services including hospitals, pharmacies, and medical clinics will operate without interruption.
Flights and train services are expected to continue unaffected, though passengers have been advised to plan for possible delays in reaching terminals due to limited public transport options. App-based delivery services, including food and e-commerce platforms, are also expected to function normally.
To maintain public order, Bengaluru Police will deploy extra security personnel at key locations such as Majestic, Town Hall, Mysuru Bank Circle, and Freedom Park.
The bandh organisers have presented several demands, including a ban on Marathi groups like the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES), safeguarding Kannada-speaking residents in border districts, and opposing any administrative division of Bengaluru.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the Karnataka government does not support the bandh and will engage in dialogue with Kannada organizations to prevent enforcement of the shutdown.
