Pro-Kannada groups to go ahead with Karnataka bandh tomorrow, govt warns of stern action

BENGALURU: Pro-Kannada outfits will go ahead with Karnataka bandh on December 5, despite the state government’s warning to take stern action against protesters who forcefully enforce closure of business activities in Karnataka.

Auto rickshaws and cabs are likely to remain off the road as some major auto and taxi drivers unions have decided to support the bandh. The public transportation including bus and metro services are expected to run as usual unless the situation demands to stop the service.

Hotels and restaurant owners have decided to keep the business functioning and have only announced “moral support” to the bandh.

Kannada Okkuta chief Vatal Nagaraj said the bandh will be total and successful as most Kannada groups are putting up a united fight. “Malls and commercial establishments too will be closed. The government, however, is trying to foil the closure using the police force,” he said on Friday.

Pro-Kannada groups led by Kannada Okkuta have given the bandh call opposing the state government’s move to form Maratha Development Corporation. The state has earmarked Rs 50 crore for the corporation to be utilised for the social, economic and education development of Maratha community.

Kannada activists who have always had an issue with Maharashtra and Marathas in the bordering district of Belagavi have accused the chief minister of indulging in appeasement politics and have demanded the government to withdraw the order to set up the Maratha Corporation.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa appealed to the organisers to call off the bandh and assured of all support for the development of Kannada. “Bandh will only cause inconvenience to the public. The government will always give priority to the growth of Kannada and culture,” he said.

Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai warned of stern action against those who will forcefully close services and businesses. “There are other ways to protest. You cannot disrupt the normalcy,” he said.