Bengaluru: A complete ‘Bengaluru Bandh‘ on September 26 by farmers’ organisations, several Pro-Kannada organisations and opposition parties to protest the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. While the Karnataka government has yet not reacted the bandh call, the leaders clarified that it will be a “complete bandh” of the city with all commercial establishments, schools, colleges and transport services to remain shut with some exceptions. This has left Bengalureans wondering about what will be opened while what will be closed during the strike.
What will be open?
Hospitals, Nursing Homes, medical shops and emergency services, Government offices, Namma Metro Services will stay operational during Bangalore Bandh on Tuesday.
What will be closed?
- All shops, commercial establishments, industries, app-based taxi and bike services, autorickshaws, street vendors, hotels and restaurants, theatres, malls and multiplexes, goods vehicles.
- Schools closed? The Associated Management of Primary and
Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has lent moral support to the bandh and said that it will take a call on declaring a holiday to schools on Monday. - Karnataka State Travel Operators Association has also expressed its support for the Bandh call.
Pro-farmers’ leaders, Pro-Kannada organisations and several political parties led by Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti’s (KJSS) on Saturday held a meeting at the Freedom Park and collectively decided to observe the bandh on September 26. Additionally, the Pro-Kannada organisations led by Vatal Nagaraj will also hold a meeting on Monday (September 25) to decide on ‘Karnataka Bandh’.
Shoulder ShanthkumarPresident of the Sugarcane Growers Federation, who has called for a Bandh, sought support and cooperation from various sectors, industry bodies and other organisations. Supporting the Bengaluru Bandh on Tuesday, more than 100 organisations have expressed their solidarity with the protesting organisations.
“This is not our bandh. It is a complete shut-down called by the citizens of Bengaluru as their share of potable water is also being released to Tamil Nadu. We seek cooperation from the IT sector, banking sector, commercial and business establishments, industries, school-colleges, transport organisations to make this bandh a success and send across a strong message to both the state and central governments,” Shanthkumar told Times of India.
Opposition parties including BJP, AAP and JDS have expressed their support to the Bandh.
