Pro-Kannada Groups Declare Bandh Following Attack on RTC Drivers in Maharashtra
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Pro-Kannada organizations in Bengaluru are set to observe a bandh in response to the attack on Karnataka State RTC drivers in Maharashtra. The event raises concerns over potential disruptions to ongoing Class 10 board exams.
Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru to witness a bandh in solidarity with attacked bus drivers.
- Concerns arise about the impact on Class 10 exams.
- Authorities urge peaceful protests.
- Over 2,000 organizations support the bandh.
- School transport will remain operational.
Bengaluru, March 21 (NationPress) The pro-Kannada groups have declared a bandh for Saturday in response to the assault on Karnataka State Regional Transport Corporation bus drivers in Maharashtra who were unable to communicate in Marathi.
The Chairman of Kannada Okkuta (Federation of Kannada Organisations), Vatal Nagaraj, emphasized that the bandh will take place tomorrow and called on Kannada activists to remain unaffected by any misleading information regarding the situation.
Authorities and parents are expressing concern as the Class 10 board exams, which commenced on Thursday, may be disrupted by the bandh.
Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa noted that any decisions regarding the potential cancellation of exams would necessitate consultations with Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayanand cautioned that any damage to public property or disturbances occurring during the bandh will be the financial responsibility of the protest organizers. He also mentioned that the protesters have been made aware of the Supreme Court's guidelines on such issues.
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar urged demonstrators to carry out their protests peacefully and within legal limits.
Activist Vatal Nagaraj requested all drivers, including the Chief Minister's driver, to refrain from driving their vehicles and participate in the bandh, which is being held in their honor. Nonetheless, certain Kannada organizations, such as the well-known Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, have not supported the bandh.
Cab aggregators Ola and Uber, the Bengaluru Airport Taxi Association, various auto unions, drivers' unions, Karmika Parishat, and theatre owners have all expressed their backing for the bandh. It has been decided that school buses and vans will continue to operate.
Vatal Nagaraj claimed that over 2,000 organizations have committed their support. He added that Kannada-speaking individuals in Belagavi have faced ongoing targeting for an extended period.
