Bengaluru: The dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka has snowballed, with Karnataka scheduling protests throughout March in response to ongoing tensions. The 'Kannada Okkuta', a coalition of several Kannada organizations, has announced a statewide bandh on March 22 following an incident where a government bus conductor in Belgaum, bordering Maharashtra, was attacked for not speaking to a passenger in Marathi.
Karnataka Bandh on March 22
Kannada activist and leader of 'Kannada Okkuta', Vattal Nagaraj, has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and various associations to support the bandh. He said, "There will be a bandh in entire Karnataka from 6 am to 6 pm on March 22. Who will support the bandh or not, will be seen later. This bandh is for Karnataka, Kannada, and the people here. This is for the pride of Kannada and Karnataka.”
After a meeting of the Okkuta, Nagaraj called on all organizations and leaders to join the bandh and appealed to the Chief Minister and the government for their backing. He also requested Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy to suspend all government bus services on that day and encouraged the Hotel Owners Association and the film industry to lend their support.
Raj Bhavan ghearo on March 3
Nagaraj mentioned that many malls have already expressed their support for the bandh. He has appealed to government employees, labor unions, farmers, truck owners, and private schools to participate. As part of the bandh, 'Kannada Okkuta' plans to ghearo the Raj Bhavan at 11:30 am on March 3, demanding action to "save Belagavi." Additionally, a procession named 'Belagavi Chalo' is scheduled for March 7 in Belagavi.
Call for Bandh on March 11
Nagaraj indicated that 'Kannada Okkuta' will also demand the implementation of the Mekedatu project on the Cauvery River, calling for another bandh on March 11 in Attibele, which borders Tamil Nadu. Demonstrations are planned in front of Deputy Commissioner's offices in Mandya, Mysore, and Ramnagar on March 14. A traffic-blocking demonstration is set for March 16 on Old Madras Road near Hoskote, and on March 18, all pro-Kannada organizations will convene in Bengaluru.
The recent escalation in the border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra was triggered by an incident on February 21, when a conductor of a Karnataka Transport Corporation bus was attacked by passengers on the outskirts of Belagavi for not responding in Marathi. This incident has further strained relations and led to the suspension of bus services between the two states.
No comments:
Post a Comment