Karnataka gears up for 2nd bandh in a week; govt extends tacit support

Bengaluru, Sep 8: For the second time in less than a week, and the fourth time this year, the State is likely to shut down on Friday, September 9, as numerous organisations lend their support to the bandh called against the Supreme Court's decision to release Cauvery waters to Tamil Nadu.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday extended tacit support to the bandh supported by 1,200 unions and organisations in the state. "The government has resolved not to oppose the bandh called by the pro-Kannada organisations. Schools and colleges will be closed and almost all government offices are likely to be shutdown as attendance is going to be quite low," said Siddaramaiah.

The emotive issue has garnered support from numerous sectors. Transportation is expected to come to a crippling halt with cabs, autorickshaws and airport taxis extending their support to the bandh call. While Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have officially adopted a wait-and-watch' approach, buses are largely expected to remain off the roads.

In anticipation, many private schools have declared a holiday on Friday. The official announcement from the district administrations are expected to come on Thursday.

For banks and government offices, Friday's bandh will see the start of a three-day weekend.

Similarly, private companies are expected to declare a holiday or extend a work from home' option for their employees.

Emergency services, primarily healthcare and ambulance services will function. Pharmacies will remain open, albeit with shopkeepers wearing black badges in protest.

6 lakh lorries to stay off the roads

Over 6 lakh lorries in the state, which supply goods, sand and other materials, will stay off the roads on Friday.

The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners' and Agents' Association have decided not to ply these vehicles after extending their support to Karnataka Bandh, called by pro-Kannada organisations and farmer unions, scheduled to be observed on Friday.

GR Shanmugappa, president of the Federation, said the interim order by the supreme court pertaining to release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu has come as a shocker to the farmers in the basin. "We also condemn the failure of successive governments in protecting the interest of the people depending on the river water," he added.

Federation members will be observing a peaceful protest on the Bandh day at Nayandahalli junction along Mysuru Road.

Petrol bunks, eateries to shut down

Petrol bunks in Bengaluru and other parts of the state will remain shut through the day on Friday with Karnataka Petrol Bunks Owners Association extending support to the bandh.

BR Ravindranath, president of the association, said as many as 3800 fuel bunks, including 460 in Bengaluru, will not operate between 6 am to 6 pm on Friday.

Similarly, eating joints and restaurants in the city will shut doors on the bandh day with PC Rao, vice president of Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association, extending support to the agitation.

Also Read: Schools, colleges, govt offices in DK, Udupi will shut for Friday bandh