Karnataka bandh today, March 22 | Why has a shutdown been called, what’s open and closed, and exam schedules

Karnataka is bracing for a state-wide bandh on Saturday, March 22. Around 3,000 pro-Kannada organisations will reportedly lead the protest on Saturday.

Karnataka bandh timings

The state-wide bandh may be observed from 6 am to 6 pm on Saturday, March 22.

Why is Karnataka bandh being observed today?

Karnataka bandh was called after a group of Marathi youth assaulted bus conductor Mahadev near Sulebhavi-Balekundri in Belagavi on February 21. The conductor had reportedly asked a passenger to speak in Kannada, which escalated tensions.

The protest will be led by activist Vatal Nagaraj, who is the president of Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha.

According to South First, Nagaraj has placed some demands before the state government, which include:

1. Ban on Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti for anti-Kannada activities and harassing of Kannadigas.

2. Opposition to learning Hindi and its imposition n Karnataka.

3. Immediate implementation of the Kalasa Banduri and Mahadayi project and development of the Northern Karnataka region.

4. Opposition to the central government for not providing exact GST share as well as sufficient funds in the central budget for Karnataka.

Karnataka bandh: What's open, what's closed

While essential services like hospitals, milk supply, and metro will operate, taxis, BMTC buses, and cinemas will be shut.

What's open:

1. Metro services are expected to function as usual.

2. Hotels and restaurants will be open across Bengaluru.

3. Milk supply will also not be disrupted.

4. Hospital and medical services, including pharmacies, will be open.

5. Hotel and food industry will not shut down

6. Petrol pumps and fuel stations will function as usual, Good Returns reported

7. Government offices may remain open as the Karnataka government is not backing the protest

8. Flights may operate without disruptions

What's closed:

1. BMTC buses and KSRTC services "will not operate from 6 am to 6 pm on 22 March," the president of KSRTC drivers union told South First

2. Ola, Uber taxis and autos; no services of taxis across Bengaluru

3. Cinema theatres and film are likely to be shut.

4. Banks

Karnataka bandh: Are schools open or close today?

South First reported that schools will remain open for exams. However, Good Returns reported that "while some schools and colleges have already declared a holiday as a precautionary measure, others are taking a 'wait and watch' approach before making a final decision."

Meanwhile, Karnataka's education minister Madhu Bangarappa was quoted by News18 Kannada as saying, "No decision has been taken yet to close schools. I will hold a meeting with the Home Minister and Transport Minister in the afternoon. I will announce the decision based on what they say."

Are movie theatres open today?

TV9 Kannada reported that morning shows will be cancelled across the state on Saturday, March 22. The Chamber of Commerce reportedly issued a circular not to air morning shows. Bookings are currently open on Book My Show.

"However, if the bandh heats up, there is a strong possibility that the show will be canceled later. The shows will be aired as usual after noon. So if you have plans to watch a movie, it is better to plan for after noon," the report added.

Karnataka govt's stance on bandh

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Thursday that the state government would not encourage a bandh and that the administration would hold talks with pro-Kannada organisations that have called for a statewide shutdown on March 22.

"It [the bandh] is not needed at this time. They [the organisations] should have spoken to the government about it. It will affect students. We [the government] have also planned to launch a month-long water conservation campaign along with the Cauvery aarti on March 22, which is World Water Day," Shivakumar was quoted by PTI as saying.

Meanwhile, Kannada Okkuta leader and activist Vatal Nagaraj said on Wednesday that the statewide bandh is expected to receive widespread support, although there are some doubts about the participation of certain organisations.

Linguistic tensions

After Maharashtra's creation on May 1, 1960, the state staked claim over 865 villages, including Belgaon (now Belgavi), Karwar, and Nippani. Maharashtra wants these villages under its jurisdiction, while Karnataka has refused to give up these territories.

Linguistic tensions in Karnataka over Marathi stem from the long-standing border dispute with Maharashtra, especially in the northern Belagavi region with a sizable Marathi-speaking population.