Karnataka Bandh On September 29: Will Shut Toll Gates, Railway Stations, Says Vatal Nagaraj

Pro-Kannada activists, led by Vatal Nagaraj, paid a visit to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce to seek their support for the statewide Karnataka bandh scheduled for September 29. This bandh is organised under the banner of 'Kannada Okkuta,' an amalgamation of various pro-Kannada organizations, and is in protest of the Cauvery issue, with the intention of bringing the entire state to a standstill.

During a press conference, Vatal Nagaraj highlighted the widespread support the bandh has garnered, involving thousands of organisations. He announced that the Film Chamber has committed to suspending all activities within the film industry on the day of the bandh. Additionally, a grand rally is planned from Town Hall to Freedom Park at 10 am, and Nagaraj extended an invitation to all artists to participate in this event.

Nagaraj conveyed a stern warning to the government not to obstruct their march and cautioned that they would escalate their protests if such interference occurred. The bandh is slated to run from 6 am to 6 pm on September 29 and will encompass the entire state, affecting National Highways, toll gates, railways, and airports. Vatal Nagaraj underlined the broad-based support for the bandh, citing endorsements from over 1,900 organizations.

Nagaraj also appealed to the government not to detain activists during the bandh and warned of heightened protests if this plea was disregarded. Several organizations have expressed their support for the bandh and have resolved to suspend their services.

It must be noted that the Karnataka Water Conservation Committee, led by President Kurubur Shanthakumar and supported by various organizations, had already observed a Bengaluru bandh on September 26 in a separate demonstration related to water conservation issues.