In anticipation of the Karnataka bandh scheduled for Friday, September 29, the Bengaluru district administration has made the decision to declare a holiday for schools and colleges.
The 'Kannada Okkuta,' a coalition of various Kannada organizations, including factions of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, Kannada Chalavali (Vatal Paksha), and multiple farmers' groups, has called for a statewide dawn-to-dusk shutdown to protest the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Transportation in the state, especially in the southern region, is expected to be significantly impacted by the bandh. It has been reported that only buses departing from airports, railway stations, and bus terminals will be operational, specifically those going to Tamil Nadu.
A substantial protest march is planned, starting from Town Hall and concluding at Freedom Park in the city, with participants expected from various walks of life, according to the organizers.
The opposition BJP and JD(S) parties, as well as associations representing hotels, autorickshaws, and ride-hailing services in Karnataka, have expressed their support for the bandh.
The Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union and the Ola Uber Drivers and Owners’ Association (OUDOA) are among those supporting the bandh. They have announced plans for a rally from Nayandahalli to Freedom Park.
The Karnataka State Private Schools’ Association has conveyed its 'moral support' for the bandh, allowing its members to exercise discretion regarding whether to remain open or closed.
The Bruhath Bangaluru Hotel Association has extended its 'moral support' as well, although it is still in discussions to determine whether to keep restaurants and eateries closed throughout the day on Friday.
Meanwhile, the State Transport Department has instructed state transport corporations to continue their services as usual.
In the northern part of Karnataka, regions such as Ballari, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Yadgir, Hubballi-Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Koppal, and Davangere, farmers and traders have extended their 'moral support' to the bandh but have opted to keep their businesses open.
To prepare for the Karnataka bandh, the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal has directed Superintendents of Police in border districts like Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, and Nilgiris to take precautionary measures. This includes increasing security at checkpoints, under the supervision of senior officials, and collaborating with Karnataka authorities to minimize transportation disruptions. Helpline numbers (9498170430 and 9498215407) have been provided for individuals encountering any difficulties during the bandh.
