Karnataka Bandh on July 25: What’s Open, What’s Closed Amid Protest Over GST Notices

A statewide Karnataka Bandh has been announced for Friday, July 25, as small traders across the state unite to protest the Goods and Services Tax (GST) notices issued by the Karnataka Commercial Tax Department. The bandh is expected to affect normal life, especially in urban centers like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi.

The call for the shutdown comes in response to alleged harassment and heavy tax demands by authorities, with small business owners claiming they have been wrongly served notices demanding lakhs in back taxes.

Why Are Traders Protesting?

Shop owners, bakery operators, tea stall vendors, and small-scale business owners have said they are being burdened with unjustified GST penalties. The protest is being led by various traders' associations and the Workers' Council, who have said this is just the beginning if the government does not respond.

What's Closed on July 25?

Shops, bakeries, condiment stalls, and tea-coffee outlets

Small retail stores in markets and localities

Milk distribution services

Family-run businesses and small traders' establishments

Traders have confirmed they will voluntarily shut their businesses as part of the peaceful protest.

What Will Remain Open?

Essential services like hospitals, medical stores, ambulances

Public transport including BMTC, KSRTC, and metro services (unless unions join the strike)

Government offices, unless staff associations decide to support the bandh

Restaurants and supermarkets not directly part of the protest may function normally

Protest Plans

On July 25, traders will stage a mass protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, demanding that the government withdraw the GST notices and ease tax compliance rules for small businesses. Black bands and pamphlet campaigns have already begun across districts, urging unity.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has responded by saying the state government will consult with the Centre on the GST-related issues. He clarified that GST is a central subject, and the state has limited authority.

Meanwhile, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra accused the ruling Congress government of using tax collection as a means to fund its guarantee schemes, sparking political debate across party lines.

The department stated that the notices are part of routine assessments, and traders will not need to pay if they submit the required documents and clarifications. However, for many small shopkeepers, the lack of clarity has turned into fear of losing their businesses.

Karnataka Bandh July 25 Key Takeaways:

Date: Wednesday, July 25

Reason: Protest against GST tax notices

Impact: Shops, bakeries, and milk sales closed; essentials unaffected

Major protest venue: Freedom Park, Bengaluru