Who All Are Supporting Bengaluru Bandh On September 26?

A collective of over 100 organisations, which met at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, has jointly issued a call for a voluntary citywide shutdown, or Bengaluru bandh on September 26. They have also planned to conduct a rally from Town Hall to the Mysore Bank Circle from 11 am. Furthermore, these organisers have urged autorickshaw and taxi unions to abstain from their usual operations during this period.

The pro-Kannada groups have put forth several demands, including a special legislative session initiated by the Karnataka government to deliberate on the contentious issue of Cauvery river water sharing. They also seek the formulation of a distress formula for equitable water allocation. Additionally, they have issued appeals to IT companies, their employees, industrialists, educational institutions, the film chamber, and the general public to endorse and participate in the proposed bandh.

Bengaluru Bandh: Wide Support for Shutdown

The Federation of Kannada Sanghas, which represents a coalition of 80 associations from diverse firms, such as HAL, BEL, ITI, BHEL, MICO, and businesses in Peenya, has lent its support to this call for a shutdown.

The BBMP employees' welfare association is also in solidarity and anticipates abstaining from work on the scheduled day. The Chickpet traders' association has extended its backing for the bandh. Furthermore, the organisers have reached out to various groups, including auto and taxi drivers, hoteliers' associations, resident welfare associations, and advocates' associations, to garner their support.

Earlier, Kurubur Shanthakumarr, the leader of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), stressed the importance of this protest for the well-being of the state's population. This initiative was set in motion following a preparatory meeting held three days ago.

Jaya Karnataka's state president, Jagadish, emphasized that the government must not disregard the sentiments of the people. He expressed concerns about diverting water to Tamil Nadu when water scarcity looms in their own state, calling for immediate action to cease further water release to Tamil Nadu. Their plans also involve staging sieges at the residences of elected representatives in all 31 districts.

Bengaluru Bandh Impact

The Bengaluru bandh on September 26 is likely to have a significant impact on the city. Shops and businesses are expected to remain closed, and public transportation is likely to be affected. Residents are advised to plan their travel accordingly.