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The Statewide bandh called by pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj on March 22 has sparked mixed reactions, with several key organisations yet to confirm their participation. However, with prominent Kannada oragnisations – factions of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike led by T.A. Narayana Gowda and Praveen Shetty – not endorsing the bandh call, its impact is expected to be limited.
The protest, triggered by the alleged assault of a State-run bus conductor in Belagavi last month for not speaking Marathi, has led to divided opinions on bandh among unions and trade groups.
On February 28, ‘Kannada Okkuta,’ an umbrella body representing multiple pro-Kannada organisations, formally announced the bandh, scheduled from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, several groups have either opted to stay away from the shutdown, not decided anything or have extended only symbolic support.
Major trade unions are yet to take a stance, while schools remain undecided, adopting a ‘wait-and-watch’ approach before making a final call.
Support from the transport sector is also uncertain. While a few smaller unions representing auto-rickshaw, cab, and private vehicle drivers have backed the bandh call, most of the major associations have said they will only provide moral support. The Karnataka State Hotel Association (KSHA) has pledged its support “in principle” but clarified that hotels will remain operational on the day of the bandh. Citing hotels as an “essential service,” KSHA president G.K. Shetty urged the Home Minister to ensure protection for hotel operators.
Nataraj Sharma, representing the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association, said that a final decision on their participation would be made on Friday. He added that while moral support would be extended, an official stance was yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, dozens of auto and cab associations across the state remain divided. N. Ashok Kumar, vice-president of the Ola Uber Drivers’ and Owners’ Association, affirmed their support for the bandh, citing financial losses due to bike taxis. He confirmed that no cabs from his association members would be operational on Saturday.
Similarly, T.N. Sreenivas, president of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (CITU), said that their members would not run their vehicles during the bandh. However, he noted uncertainty regarding decisions made by other unions.
With many organisations still deliberating, a clearer picture of the bandh’s impact is expected to emerge only on Friday, a day before the scheduled protest.
Published – March 20, 2025 09:41 pm IST
