Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged pro-Kannada organizations to reconsider the statewide bandh scheduled for March 22, warning that it could severely disrupt ongoing SSLC (Class 10) examinations.
The bandh, organized by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj and the Kannada Okkuta, is a response to the alleged assault on a state-run bus conductor in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi. The protest is set to take place from 6 am to 6 pm, with calls for widespread participation from various groups and leaders.
Shivakumar reaffirmed that the Karnataka government does not support the bandh and is actively engaging with protest organizers to seek an alternative course of action. He stressed that student welfare must take priority and emphasized the need to maintain normalcy during the crucial examination period.
As part of the protest, a rally is planned from Town Hall to Freedom Park in Bengaluru at 10:30 am. Organizers have also requested the suspension of Metro, BMTC, and KSRTC services during the bandh, although essential services are expected to remain operational.
With the government closely monitoring the situation, further announcements are anticipated to ensure public safety and minimize inconvenience for citizens.
