Dharwad Bandh On January 9: Will Schools Be Closed Tomorrow?

A bandh has been declared in Dharwad district on Thursday, January 9, from 6 am to 6 pm, demanding the removal of Union Home Minister Amit Shah from the cabinet over alleged derogatory remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This announcement was made by M. Aravind, President of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Fans' Union.

Speaking in Dharwad, M. Aravind stated, "Dr. Ambedkar is revered as a god by people across the country. If he had not framed the Constitution, Amit Shah would not have risen to his current position. It is unacceptable to speak lightly about him while enjoying the benefits enabled by his vision. The central government should immediately dismiss him from the cabinet."

Several districts in Karnataka, including Mysuru, have already observed shutdowns in protest against Amit Shah's alleged statements. A bandh has now been declared in Hubballi and Dharwad for Thursday, along with planned protests.

• Dharwad district bandh scheduled for Thursday.
• Protest demands Amit Shah's removal from the cabinet for alleged derogatory remarks about Dr. Ambedkar.
• "Dr. Ambedkar is a god to the people of the country," says Ambedkar Fans' Union President M. Aravind.

Demonstrations will be held at key roundabouts and roads in Dharwad. Activists from various organizations will march from their neighborhoods to prominent locations like Channamma Circle in Hubballi and Dharwad Jubilee Circle, where rallies will be organized.

What Services Will Be Available?

Hospitals, pharmacies, ambulances, and milk trucks will operate as usual to ensure uninterrupted emergency services.

What Will Be Closed?

Protesters will aim to halt vehicular movement, and commercial establishments, hotels, cinemas, autos, schools, colleges, and government and private offices are expected to remain closed. However, the government has yet to officially declare school and college holidays, and further updates are expected by evening.

Appeals for Support:

Organizers have urged associations, business owners, and hoteliers to voluntarily support the bandh. Leaders assured that the protests will be peaceful and include an appeal submission to the District Collector.

Leader Ashok Bhandari highlighted that some places named after Dr. Ambedkar have had their signage removed and demanded that they be restored immediately.

The press conference was attended by leaders including Lakshman Bakkai, Parameshwara Kale, Yallappa Mantoora, Lakshmana Doddamani, Ramesh Dodawada, and Tulsappa Poojara.