Karnataka Bandh on March 22: DK Shivakumar Rejects Shutdown Call, Says It Will Disrupt SSLC Exams

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday made it clear that the state government does not support the proposed bandh on March 22, urging pro-Kannada organizations to reconsider their call for a shutdown.

Speaking in the Legislative Council, Shivakumar addressed concerns raised by Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy regarding the impact of the bandh, particularly on SSLC (Class 10) students set to appear for their board exams that day.

"The bandh is not needed at this time. Instead of calling for a strike, they should have spoken to the government. It will affect students, and we have also planned to launch a month-long water conservation campaign along with the Cauvery aarti on March 22, which is observed as World Water Day," said Shivakumar.

Bandh Called Over Belagavi Incident

The bandh, spearheaded by Kannada Okkuta, an umbrella organization representing various pro-Kannada groups, is a response to the alleged assault on a Karnataka state-run bus conductor in Belagavi last month. The conductor was reportedly attacked for not knowing Marathi, triggering widespread outrage among Kannada activists.

However, Shivakumar stressed that disrupting normal life is not a solution. "We do not encourage a bandh. The courts, too, do not support such shutdowns, whether political or otherwise," he stated.

Govt to Engage With Pro-Kannada Groups

Shivakumar assured that officials would engage with Kannada organizations to dissuade them from going ahead with the bandh.

"We will make them understand that this is not the right course of action, as it will impact students whose exams have already begun. They cannot take the law into their own hands," he asserted.

Meanwhile, Kannada Okkuta leader Vatal Nagaraj has claimed that the bandh is expected to garner widespread support, although there are concerns about participation from some organizations.

The Karnataka government is now focusing on dialogue to prevent disruptions, ensuring that students and daily life remain unaffected on March 22.