Karnataka Bandh: Schools, essential services to operate uninterrupted

Karnataka will witness a statewide bandh on Saturday from 6 am to 6 pm, led by pro-Kannada group Kannada Okkuta. The protest responds to the alleged assault on a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi. Protesters also oppose the Bengaluru Metro fare hike and the Greater Bengaluru Authority Bill.

Despite the bandh, Bengaluru Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesha G confirmed that schools and colleges will remain open. The Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka (KAMS) decided not to support the bandh due to ongoing exams. SSLC exams started on Friday, and CBSE and ISC board exams will continue on Saturday. Bethany School principal Robert Khin said parents will ensure students reach exam centers.

Essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, and medical facilities will operate without interruption. Train and flight services will run as scheduled, though officials warned of limited cabs and auto-rickshaws. App-based delivery services, including Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart, will remain functional, depending on local availability.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce will pause film screenings and shootings until Saturday afternoon in support of the bandh. However, major factions of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, led by TA Narayana Gowda and Praveen Shetty, refused to back the protest. Transport unions for KSRTC and BMTC also rejected participation, ensuring regular bus services. Auto-rickshaw unions and ride-hailing drivers from Ola and Uber pledged support, which may cause service disruptions.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasized the government’s opposition to the bandh. He urged protesters to avoid taking the law into their own hands. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy revealed that Kannada Okkuta did not formally request permission for the bandh. KSRTC trade unions confirmed they were not consulted and see no justification for the protest since the government responded promptly to the assault.

Karnataka Film Chamber President M Narasimhalu confirmed their support but assured that screenings would resume after Saturday afternoon. Despite moral backing from some groups, the bandh may have limited impact due to the absence of key organizational support and the government’s firm stance against it.