In a significant development, pro-Kannada organizations have called for a ‘Bengaluru Bandh’ on September 26, protesting against the release of 5,000 cusecs of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. The appeal for support extends to schools, colleges, commercial establishments, factories, companies, and transporters.
The call for the shutdown came after farmers and pro-Kannada outfits observed a ‘Mandya Bandh’ on Saturday, officially endorsing the strike.
Kuruburu Shanthakumar, a prominent farmers’ leader, urged schools, colleges, IT companies, and the film chamber to declare a holiday. Additionally, he sought a special assembly session from the state government.
Support for the bandh has also come from opposition parties, including the BJP, JDS, and Aam Aadmi Party.
Tanveer Pasha, President of Ola Uber Driver’s and Owner’s Association, confirmed participation in the Bengaluru bandh, with airport cab services likely to be affected. However, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to operate Namma Metro services as usual.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) are expected to make decisions regarding their services based on the prevailing law and order situation.
Essential services, including hospitals, nursing homes, medical shops, and government offices, will remain open during the bandh.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar commented on the bandh call, stating that the state government is committed to protecting the state’s interests. He emphasized that the opposition parties were politicizing the Cauvery issue, and the bandh would serve no purpose.
This decision follows the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) directive to Karnataka to continue releasing 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for another 15 days, and the Supreme Court’s refusal to interfere with this directive. Karnataka cites water scarcity due to deficit monsoon rains as the reason for its inability to release water.
As tensions rise over the Cauvery dispute, Bengaluru braces for a day of uncertainty and potential disruption.
