Normal life affected by Karnataka bandh over Cauvery issue

Pro-Kannada organisations called for the bandh to protest against Tamil Nadu's opposition to the Mekedatu project

The dawn-to-dusk bandh called by pro-Kannada organisations on Saturday to protest Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the Mekedatu drinking water project has impacted traffic in Bengaluru and other major towns and cities in the state.

The protestors were seen forcefully closing down shops, offices and post offices in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Anekal and other places in and around Bengaluru. 
 

Ola Cabs and TaxiForSure have informed customers that they will not take bookings on Saturday. The bandh will be on till 6 pm. 

Speaking at a public rally in Majestic area in Bengaluru, Kannada activist Sa Ra Govindu said, “Do not stop the construction of the dam. Please go ahead and start the construction of the dam across Cauvery at Mekedatu to provide drinking water to the city of Bengaluru. We are with you and protest the motive of the Tamil Nadu government, which is opposing the drinking water project for Bengaluru.”

He also called upon the people of Karnataka to observe the bandh for a day to create awareness about the Mekedatu project.
 

Nearly 500 pro-Kannada organisations have called for the Karnataka Bandh.

Meanwhile, the state police and railway protection force have made arrangements for public safety. In Bengaluru city alone, 60 platoons of KSRP, CAR and two units of Rapid Action Force have been deployed for security.

Though the state government has not supported the state-wide bandh, government services are likely to be affected as employees have no public transport to reach their offices. Schools and colleges are already closed for summer holidays.

President of Kannada Okkuta, a common platform of all pro-Kannada organisations, Vatal Nagaraj said that the bandh will be observed by holding peaceful rallies in various parts of the state. A huge rally will be taken out from Town Hall to Freedom Park and leaders will submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Okkuta is expecting a huge turnout of over 100,000 people, said Nagaraj. 

He said that, public services such as milk supply, medical and transportation would not be affected because of the bandh. 
 

Organisations including hotel owners association, lorry owners association, autorickshaw drivers union, petrol bunk owners association and Karnataka Film Chamber have expressed solidarity and support to the bandh.