A statewide bandh has been called for tomorrow in Karnataka under the leadership of veteran Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj.
The bandh, which has garnered support from hundreds of organisations, is being held to demand justice in the longstanding Cauvery water dispute. However, the bandh faces controversy as the government has cited Supreme Court directives against such shutdowns.
The bandh is scheduled to commence with a massive protest march originating from Town Hall at 10 am tomorrow, with participants rallying for Cauvery’s cause. Subsequently, a protest meeting is planned at Freedom Park. Organisers have ensured all necessary preparations are in place for the demonstration.
In a swift response to the bandh call, City Police Commissioner Dayanand announced the imposition of a curfew in Bengaluru city starting at midnight today, which will remain in effect throughout tomorrow. This curfew is part of measures aimed at preventing any untoward incidents during the bandh. Dayanand stressed the deployment of heightened police security across the city.
Moreover, the police have prohibited any protests, rallies, or processions in Bengaluru for the duration of the bandh, citing Supreme Court directives. Dayanand warned that those who called for the bandh would be held responsible for any loss or damage to property.
To maintain security, Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), Home Guard, and Rapid Action Force (RAF) units have been mobilised for duty in Bangalore city. The Director General of Police, Alok Mohan, issued a stern warning to all Senior Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), stating that there would be no tolerance for forced shutdowns, and legal action would be taken against troublemakers.
Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) D.K. Shivakumar countered the bandh call, highlighting that the Supreme Court had not barred such protests. He assured the public of protection and stated that peaceful protests would not be hindered, although measures would be taken to prevent public suffering. DCM Shivakumar stressed that there is a scheduled meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority on Friday, indicating a diplomatic approach to the water-sharing dispute. He also revealed plans for a meeting of legal experts and elders chaired by the Chief Minister, which may lead to a legal challenge based on the authority’s order. Vatal Nagaraj, the leader of the Kannada movement Vatal party, urged the public to support the bandh for the Cauvery cause. He asserted that the bandh was not a confrontation but a peaceful demonstration. Hundreds of organisations have endorsed the bandh, making it a significant event. Nagaraj also called upon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to support the bandh.
Nagaraj maintained that the bandh would proceed from Town Hall despite prohibitory orders. The Supreme Court and High Courts have previously ruled against bandhs, but organisers remain determined to proceed. Despite the bandh, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) employees have been instructed not to take leave, as public transportation services are considered essential. School closures remain uncertain, with district commissioners granted the authority to decide based on local conditions. The Federation of Private Schools has expressed moral support for the bandh but leaves the decision to grant leave to individual school governing bodies.
The Karnataka bandh for the Cauvery issue has sparked controversy due to government measures and Supreme Court directives against such shutdowns.