A 12-hour statewide bandh has been called by pro-Kannada groups protesting the alleged assault on a KSRTC conductor over a language dispute in Belagavi.
March 22, 2025: Bengaluru – Karnataka is witnessing a 12-hour bandh today, Saturday, March 22, called by Kannada Okkoota, a coalition of pro-Kannada organisations, in protest against the alleged assault on a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi. The bandh is in effect from 6 am to 6 pm, and although not supported by the state government, it is expected to impact transport and daily life in several parts of the state.
The incident that triggered the protest occurred last month when a conductor operating a KSRTC bus on the Belagavi-Balekundri route was allegedly attacked by individuals linked to pro-Marathi groups. The violence has reignited long-standing linguistic tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra, particularly over the Belagavi border dispute.
Following the attack, interstate bus services between the two states were temporarily suspended. In response, Kannada Okkoota demanded strict action against pro-Marathi activists and even called for a ban on such organisations, accusing them of inciting violence and disturbing communal harmony.
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Despite the scale of the protest, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced that the Karnataka government does not support the bandh, highlighting its negative impact on ongoing SSLC board examinations and daily public life.
What’s Open and What’s Closed Today?
- Bus Services: Operations by KSRTC and BMTC may be disrupted, as their unions are backing the bandh.
- Cabs and Autos: Ola, Uber, and some autorickshaw unions are supporting the bandh. Expect limited availability.
- Metro, Rail, Airport: Services will continue uninterrupted across the state.
- Banks: Will remain closed, as it is Saturday.
- Schools & Colleges: Some may be closed, but there is no official statewide order.
- Eateries, Restaurants & Cinemas: Expected to stay open but may operate with caution, having extended symbolic support.
- Government Offices & Essential Services: Will remain open and fully functional.
Security has been tightened in Belagavi and other sensitive regions, with authorities advising commuters, students, and business owners to plan their day accordingly.
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Karnataka bandh, Belagavi bus conductor, Kannada Okkoota, language dispute, Marathi-Kannada tension, KSRTC, BMTC, D K Shivakumar, Karnataka shutdown, border dispute, Karnataka news, pro-Kannada protest, Bengaluru bandh, transport strike