K’taka bandh: Business, schools and transport system likely to take a beating in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, July 29: While essential services like medical shops, hospitals, ambulances and milk outlets will operate normally on Saturday, July 30, transportation, schools, colleges and other business operation likely to take a hit due Karnataka bandh.

Many pro-Kannada organisations have called for a state-wide bandh on Saturday. However, it is predicted by the state administration that bandh will be strongly felt in Bengaluru and North Karnataka.

General Secretary of Auto Rickshaw Driver's Union, B V Raghavendra told OneIndia "we have extended support to the bandh call. The autos coming under the union will not operate."

Raghavendra added, members of the union will hold a protest demonstration at Mysuru Bank Circle at 11 am in the morning. Since the strike is called for a good cause, drivers coming under the ambit of unions will not venture out.

However, auto rickshaws not coming under any unions likely to start the business. But they too have to stop functioning if the protesting people force them to seize the operation.

The fate of BMTC (Bengaluru Metropolitan Corporation System) too appears similar. H V Anantha Subbarao, General Secretary of All India Trade Union Congress said buses too will not operate. If some drivers try to steer the buses into the city, protesters will forcefully shut the operation.

"We are fighting for water and it is a fight for a real cause. Hence buses will not ply," said Anantha who headed the three-day bus strike in Karnataka.

On the other hand, Rame Gowda, Commissioner of Transport and Road Safety said the administration will take adequate measures to ensure bus services in Bengaluru and across the state. "The government will not support the bandh," he stressed.

A leader from a prominent cab drivers' association said depending upon on the mood of the day decision will be taken. But most likely cabs services might take a hit.

The Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban V Shankar hinted that there could be holiday to schools and colleges tomorrow. Private schools and colleges have already declared holiday.

OneIndia News