Kannada Okkoota, an umbrella organisation of pro-Kannada groups, announced on Tuesday, March 18 that a statewide bandh will be observed on Saturday, March 22, from 6 am to 6 pm. The bandh is in protest against the alleged oppression of Kannadigas in Belagavi and the recent assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor for not speaking Marathi.
While prominent pro-Kannada groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike—both factions led by TA Narayana Gowda and Praveen Shetty—have not supported the bandh, several transport associations have extended their backing. The Ola, Uber Owners and Drivers Association, along with some private bus associations and autorickshaw unions, have announced their participation, according to reports.
Hotels and the Kannada film industry have expressed moral support for the bandh, while various trade unions are yet to decide their stance.
Protesters are demanding a ban on the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti in Karnataka and have called for Shiv Sena members to be barred from entering the state.
Kannada Okkoota leader Vatal Nagaraj warned that the entire state would come to a standstill on Saturday. “No drivers should operate their vehicles on the day of the bandh. It is a matter of self-esteem and respect for the drivers in the state,” he said, terming the protest as the ‘Karnataka Drivers’ Bandh.’ He also urged the public to refrain from using Metro services during the bandh as a mark of protest against the recent fare hike.