Karnataka is protesting the state government’s release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, based on a Supreme Court directive, with a shut down on Friday.Notably, it will be the fourth bandh in Karnataka in last 45 days which also has the tacit support of BJP.
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More than Bharat Bandh, Karnataka Bandh is taken seriously in the state, which comes to standstill. “Schools and colleges will be closed and nearly all government offices are likely to shut down as attendance is expected to be thin”, according toTimes of India.
With Karnataka Cable Operators Association supporting the band, the Tamil channels will be off air. Shops and establishments, markets, petrol bunks, hotels and malls are likley to remain shut, besides banks.
Two cadres of security personnel from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala as well as 10 from the Centre have been roped in to maintain law and order during the strike.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said public transport will be off roads but pleaded with protesters to remain calm on the bandh day.
The bandh passed off peacefully, barring stray incidents. Times of India reported that Southwestern Railways had not cancelled any trains but would take a call if there were any forced disruptions to train services.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has invited floor leaders of all political parties in the state legislature, central ministers from the state and members of parliament to an all-party meeting to discuss the apex court order and decide on the next course of action.
Most unions have joined the bandh and services of BMTC, KSRTC and the Bengaluru Metro were suspended.
The inter-state border was cordoned off by the respective State police, with Karnataka police securing Athibelli border, and Tamil Nadu police securing Jujuvadi checkpost, disallowing any movement of vehicles.
“Kannada Okkoota”, led by Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj will be holding a “massive” protest march from Town hall to Freedom Park in city in the morning.
PMK chief Ramadoss told reporters in Cuddalore district that Karnataka should comply with apex court orders and not go to the extent of a former chief minister of that state, who had to apologise in the Supreme Court after water was not released in accordance with its verdict years ago.
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While Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagara, Kodagu andBengaluru districts observed a total bandh, with public transport system, including autos and taxis, off the roads, in the coastal region and some pockets of Bombay-Karnataka and Hyderabad-Karnataka region the bandh was partial.
