Bengaluru: Karnataka plunged into a day-long state-wide bandh on Friday, September 29, orchestrated by various pro-Kannada groups and farmer unions. The primary catalyst for this mass protest was the ongoing dispute over the release of Cauvery River water to neighboring Tamil Nadu, a contentious issue that has persisted for decades.
The repercussions of this bandh were felt across the state as businesses and public transportation services rallied behind the protest’s cause. The most substantial impact was observed in southern Karnataka, notably in Chamarajanagara, Bengaluru Urban, Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, and Ramanagara districts.
To maintain law and order, authorities invoked Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in multiple regions across Karnataka, reflecting their apprehensions about potential unrest.
The bandh, organized under the banner of ‘Kannada Okkoota’ by pro-Kannada groups, gained significant momentum when the Karnataka film industry, popularly known as Sandalwood, joined the cause. Leading actors, artists, directors, and producers convened in Bengaluru to express their solidarity with the farmers’ concerns.
In a pre-emptive measure, Bengaluru Police detained approximately 150 individuals, including known troublemakers from past Cauvery-related clashes.
Pro-Kannada organizations statewide raised their voices against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, holding them responsible for the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Security was significantly heightened around Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence in anticipation of protesters encircling his home.
In a symbolic display of dissent, members of pro-Kannada groups conducted a bike rally through Bengaluru’s streets, culminating in their gathering at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office on Queens Road. Here, impassioned slogans were chanted, condemning the Congress party and the state government’s stance on the contentious issue.
With a focus on maintaining peace, the police department deployed 80,000 personnel across Karnataka, accompanied by stern warnings against any actions that could disrupt the peace or force businesses to close.
*Unconventional Protest by Vatal Nagaraj*
Vatal Nagaraj, a prominent pro-Kannada activist and the President of Karnataka Okkuta, took an unconventional approach to express his dissent over the Cauvery issue. Clad in a burqa and holding an empty vessel, Nagaraj embarked on a symbolic protest, commencing from his residence in the Dollars Colony area and proceeding to Town Hall.
Nagaraj affirmed his unwavering commitment to the cause, stating, “We will continue to protest until we secure justice in the Cauvery issue.”
However, Nagaraj’s protest was short-lived as he was detained at Town Hall, marking a poignant moment in the ongoing agitation.
*Sandalwood Stars Converge at Karnataka Film Chamber Office*
Renowned Kannada actors and artists, including Shiva Raj Kumar, Pooja Gandhi, Upendra, Darshan, Vijay Raghavendra, Sadu Kokila, Umashree, and Dhruva Sarja, congregated in front of the Karnataka Film Chamber office (KFCC) in Bengaluru. Their presence lent further weight to the ongoing protests, underscoring their shared concerns regarding the Cauvery issue.
While the protest witnessed a substantial turnout of Sandalwood luminaries, a few notable names were unavoidably absent. Kannada actor Yash was in London preparing for an upcoming film, making his physical presence impossible. Similarly, Kichcha Sudeep, engrossed in the filming of “Kichcha 46” in Mahabalipuram, and Ravi Chandran, on a tour of the United States, were also notable absentees.
*Agitation Spreads Across Karnataka*
Protests extended beyond the capital city’s boundaries. In Tumakuru district, pro-Kannada activists burned effigies of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, demanding justice for Karnataka.
In Chikkamagaluru, pro-Kannada members vented their anger by burning effigies of Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar, accusing them of facilitating the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The protesters chanted slogans and demanded an immediate halt to the water release.
During one particularly disturbing incident, a pro-Kannada activist in Chikkamagaluru was hospitalized after resorting to self-harm during the protest, resulting in excessive bleeding.
In Ramanagara, the stronghold of D K Shivakumar, pro-Kannada activists converged near Channamaa Circle and blocked roads, passionately expressing their discontent with the government’s actions.
*Transportation Disruptions*
The Karnataka bandh had a profound impact on transportation. Passengers rushed to Bengaluru Airport early in the day to avoid disruptions caused by Ola and Uber drivers supporting the bandh. Consequently, travel plans were affected.
On the aviation front, 44 flights to and from Bengaluru Airport were canceled due to the bandh, affecting travelers to and from various major cities. At Bengaluru Airport, a few pro-Kannada activists raised slogans against the Karnataka government and were subsequently detained. The situation escalated when some attempted to disrupt traffic on the airport road, leading to their detention.
In a concerning turn of events, Karnataka Sene activists were detained at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, as they reportedly planned to block the runway despite holding valid flight tickets.
In Mandya and Yadgir, farmers and members of the Kannada Rakshana Vedike engaged in ‘rail roko’ protests. In Yadgir, protesters climbed onto a train engine, determined to halt its departure. Law enforcement swiftly intervened, taking protesters into custody. Similar scenes played out in Mandya, where protesters occupied railway tracks, vehemently expressing their discontent with the government and the Water Resources Minister.
Despite the bandh, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) announced that only 40% of the bus fleet remained operational, with the aim of assisting individuals with medical and emergency requirements. Passengers with pre-booked tickets were warned of potential inconveniences due to the bandh.
Notably, Kodagu and Dakshina Kannada districts reported normalcy, with shops and establishments remaining open, and daily routines undisturbed. Private transportation continued without hindrance.
*CWMA Upholds Cauvery Water Release*
Despite widespread protests, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upheld the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) order, directing the Karnataka government to release 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu daily until October 15.
This decision followed deliberations between the two states, with Tamil Nadu advocating for the release of 12,500 cusecs of water to safeguard its crops. Karnataka countered, citing insufficient water reserves in its reservoirs to meet both irrigation and drinking water needs.
In response to the CWMA’s decision, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his intention to consult retired Supreme Court judges to explore the possibility of challenging the order in the Supreme Court.
As Karnataka grapples with these impassioned demonstrations, the Cauvery water-sharing issue continues to evoke strong emotions and calls for a resolution that balances the interests of all concerned parties.