Kannada organisations call for Karnataka bandh on September 29

Showing the divide within farmers and pro-Kannada organisations, a separate group of organisations, under the leadership of Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, has called for a Karnataka bandh on Friday over the inter-State Cauvery river water dispute. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said the government would not allow for a bandh again on Friday.

“Tuesday’s order directing Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water everyday to Tamil Nadu for 18 more days is gross injustice to the people of the State. No one seems to be considering the plight of our farmers. The government should refrain from releasing water; otherwise, Bengaluru will face shortage of drinking water. On Wednesday, we have decided to stage a protest in front of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence, and we have also called for a bandh on Friday,” Mr. Nagaraj said.

Confusion reigns within various sectors, including transport associations and hotel groups, regarding their support for the September 29 bandh.