Karnataka Bandh Today: Will Schools, Namma Metro Be Closed? Will Cabs Be Available In Bengaluru?

Updated: Friday, September 29, 2023, 13:36 [IST]

Karnataka Bandh: The 'Kannada Okkuta,' an amalgamation of pro-Kannada groups, has called for a Karnataka bandh on Friday, September 29, in an effort to compel the Congress-led state government to halt the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. This bandh has garnered support from over 1,900 organizations.

In preparation for the bandh, the police department has deployed 80,000 personnel throughout Karnataka to ensure security and maintain order on Friday. Authorities have issued a stern warning, indicating that stringent actions will be taken against any protesters who disrupt the peace during the bandh.

Karnataka Bandh Today: Will Schools, Namma Metro Be Closed? Will Cabs Be Available?

R Hitendra, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, appealed for peaceful protests, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rules and avoiding the forced closure of businesses. "Strict action will be taken against protestors who break rules during the bandh. No businesses should be forcefully closed, and protests must be held in a peaceful manner," stated R Hitendra, ADGP for Law and Order.

Meanwhile, Vatal Nagaraj, a prominent Pro-Kannada activist leading the bandh, has announced intentions to obstruct vehicles at toll gates, disrupt train services, and halt airport operations as part of the protest.

The Bengaluru Commissioner of Police emphasises on Supreme Court's ruling that all forms of bandh are forbidden. ''The sole sanctioned location for protests and rallies is Freedom Park. However, any organisation can lend their support on their own and not by force. If any damage to the property occurs, the respective protesting organization will be held accountable for the costs,'' Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said.

The Karnataka Associated Managements of Schools (KAMS) has expressed moral support for the bandh and has left the decision to declare a holiday in the government's hands.

Will Namma Metro Services Be Available to the Public?

Despite the bandh, Namma Metro services, operated by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), will continue to run as usual.

Will Banks Stay Open?

All public and private banks will commence operations without any changes in their timings.

Are Ola, Uber Cabs be available?

Office-goers in Bengaluru may face challenges on Friday as the Ola and Uber Drivers and Owners Association has endorsed the bandh, opting to keep their services off the road.

Vatal Nagaraj has also called for a procession from Town Hall to Freedom Park on Friday, urging Sandalwood stars to participate in the protest march.

Are Schools, Colleges Closed Today?

The administration in Bengaluru has declared a holiday in all educational institutions in the city for the day.

Can People Access Theatres and Shopping malls?

Shopping malls and movie theaters throughout the state have confirmed their participation in the Karnataka bandh, which means they will remain closed during the protest.

In the northern region of Karnataka, including areas such as Ballari, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Yadgir, Hubballi-Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Koppal, and Davangere, farmers and traders have expressed their 'moral support' for the bandh. However, they have clarified that they will not be closing their businesses.