- March 22, 2025
Karnataka Bandh Today: Reasons Behind The Strike, Key Demands Of Protesting Organisations – News18
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The pro-Kannada organisations have called a 12-hour Karnataka bandh on Saturday. The authorities are expected to deploy additional security in Belagavi and other sensitive areas.
Karnataka bandh on March 22 (PTI File Image)
Numerous pro-Kannada groups have called a Karnataka bandh on March 22 over an alleged assault of a State Road Transport Corporation bus conductor in Belagavi.
The conduct was allegedly thrashed for not speaking Marathi – an issue that has long sparked tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
The bandh, called by Kannada Okkoota, will remain in place for 12 hours – from 6 am to 6 pm. The Kannada activists have demanded strict action against the perpetrators, accusing pro-Marathi groups of inciting violence and disrupting the harmony of the region.
What Do Protesters Demand?
The protesters have urged the state government to take a strict view against pro-Marathi outfits, particularly Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti, which has also been at the center of such row in Belagavi in the past.
They have also called for a ban on outfits that are accused of creating problems between Kannada and Marathi speakers.
As the bandh goes live on Saturday morning, the administration is likely to deploy additional feet on the ground across the district and other sensitive areas to keep a check on the law and order during the strike.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Thursday that the state government will not support a bandh. He added that officials will talk to pro-Kannada groups to explain that it is not the right way to handle the situation.
Why The Controversy?
The row pertains to an alleged assault of a KSRTC bus conductor last week by people linked to pro-Marathi organisations. After the incident, the bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra were suspended.
The dispute over Belagavi started in 1957 after Indian states were reorganised based on language. Maharashtra claims that Belagavi, which was once part of the Bombay Presidency, should be part of its state, along with over 800 villages where most people speak Marathi. However, Karnataka insists that Belagavi belongs to it and has always opposed Maharashtra’s demand.
- Location :
Karnataka, India, India
