Kannada organisations have announced a statewide Karnataka bandh on August 13 to protest what they say is a big injustice to the state in the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. The bandh call was made following an emergency meeting led by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, Sa Ra Govindu and other pro-Kannada leaders.
The protest has been organised to oppose what the leaders described as an “unscientific” decision on the Cauvery water-sharing issue, claiming Karnataka has not been adequately safeguarded.
Bandh Timings
The Karnataka bandh will be held from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on August 13 across the state.
The leaders have appealed to people from all sections of society to participate peacefully and offer moral backing to the movement in order to defend Karnataka’s water rights.
Several Organisations Extend Support
On the day of the bandh announcement, several organisations expressed support for the statewide shutdown.
Among those extending support are:
Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Members of the Kannada film industry,
- Dr. Rajkumar Fans' Associations,
- Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Karave),
- Kannada Sena, Farmers' organisations,
- Auto-rickshaw unions,
- Ola and Uber drivers' unions,
- Cabs operators' associations,
- Various pro-Kannada organisations.
The organisers have also appealed to hotel associations, APMC markets, shopping malls and cinema theatres to voluntarily support the bandh.
Demand to Halt Transport
Vatal Nagaraj also asked for transport services to be halted during the bandh and for buses and even flights to be left off the roads and skies as a protest. Whether transport services will actually be affected will depend on official decisions and participation by transport operators.
Government Appeals for Withdrawal
As a response to the bandh call, the Karnataka government appealed to the organisers to reconsider the protest.
The government said it will protect the state’s interests in the Cauvery dispute and asked the leaders to withdraw the bandh, assuring them that it is working to protect Karnataka’s rights.
Cauvery Dispute Remains Sensitive
The Cauvery water-sharing dispute has been one of the most sensitive inter-state disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for decades. Because it has the effect of water allocation, particularly during years of deficient rainfall, political debates and public protests are waged in both states.
With the support of various organisations for the bandh call on August 13, the effect on public transport, businesses and commercial activities will be clearer closer to the protest date.
