Bengaluru: Amidst the escalating tensions surrounding the Cauvery water dispute, pro-Kannada organizations have issued a call for a statewide bandh in Karnataka on September 29, seeking support from a diverse range of unions and associations. This decision comes following a meeting of prominent organization leaders convened at a private hotel in Bengaluru.
Former MLA Vatal Nagaraj, a prominent pro-Kannada activist, spearheaded the call for the bandh, emphasizing the pressing need to address the Cauvery issue effectively. Notably, he refrained from endorsing the Bengaluru bandh scheduled for September 26.
The decision to announce the Karnataka bandh was made in the midst of efforts by pro-Kannada groups to reconcile differences over the bandh date. Despite discussions, no consensus was reached between the conflicting factions.
Vatal Nagaraj has also reached out to various sectors for support, including transport unions, the film chamber, mall owners, and school and college unions, in a bid to ensure the success of the September 29 bandh. He has announced plans for a protest march from Town Hall to Freedom Park on the designated date.
However, a twist in the narrative unfolded as a section of activists gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru to strategize for the bandh scheduled for Tuesday, September 26. This situation underscores the ambiguity and division within the pro-Kannada camp regarding the timing and execution of their protests.
Adding to the complexity, the Ola and Uber Drivers and Owners Association, which initially pledged support for the bandh on September 26, withdrew its backing due to the ongoing confusion surrounding the bandh dates.
The Cauvery water dispute remains a contentious issue in Karnataka, frequently sparking fervent protests and demands for equitable water-sharing agreements. As pro-Kannada organizations rally for their cause, the situation underscores the imperative need for dialogue and consensus-building to peacefully resolve this longstanding issue.