Karnataka Bandh Today: All Schools And Colleges Shut In Bengaluru, Protests Staged Across State Over Cauvery Water Issue

Amidst escalating tensions following the Bengaluru Bandh just two days prior, the entire state of Karnataka is now witnessing a state-wide strike initiated by pro-Kannada organizations. The strike has been organized to protest the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, a move deemed contentious due to the prevailing drought-like conditions in several districts of Karnataka. In response to potential law and order challenges, the Karnataka police are deploying additional forces across the state. Here are the latest developments on the Karnataka bandh:

• 44 flights faced cancellations as the state grappled with a widespread bandh orchestrated by Kannada Okkuta. This umbrella organization, representing various Kannada groups, led the protest against the release of Cauvery river water to neighboring Tamil Nadu.

  Airport authorities maintained that the cancellations were a result of operational considerations, assuring that affected passengers were duly notified. Nonetheless, insider information suggests that the impact of the Karnataka bandh played a pivotal role, with a notable number of passengers opting to cancel their tickets amid the prevailing circumstances.

• Film fraternity Stands in Solidarity with Pro-Kannada Organizations Amidst Cauvery Water Issue Protests.  

• Police Detain Pro-Kannada Outfit Members During Karnataka Bandh Protest at Bengaluru Airport.

• The Bandh is in protest against the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, aggravating drought conditions in the region.
• Karnataka Police deploy additional forces across the state to maintain law and order during anticipated protests.
• Protests, including a significant procession from Town Hall to Freedom Park in Bengaluru, are expected.
• The 'Kannada Chaluvali' group, led by Vatal Nagaraj, remains firm in their call for a statewide bandh and threatens to block national highways and airports.
• Protests are permitted at Freedom Park, with protestors expected to bear expenses for any property damage.
• Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) are enforced in Karnataka's Mandya district.
• The Bengaluru administration declares a holiday for all educational institutions in the city.
• Autorickshaws and hail-riders associations express solidarity with the bandh.
• Expected closures include educational institutions, private cab services, shopping malls, and movie theaters.
• Operational services include all public transport services (KSRTC, BMTC), banks, and essential services like ambulances, pharma vehicles, hospitals, and medical stores.
• The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] extend their support to the bandh.

The Cauvery river water issue, a long-standing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, was reignited when the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. This contentious issue has sparked protests and tensions in the region, leading to the current strike and widespread demonstrations.