Karnataka Bandh Over Cauvery Water Dispute
Karnataka Bandh: Two days after Bengaluru witnessed a partial shutdown due to the Cauvery River water dispute with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka experiences a state-wide bandh. The ‘Kannada Okkuta,’ an organization representing pro-Kannada groups, called for a 12-hour bandh from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pro-Kannada groups and farmers’ organizations initiated a state-wide bandh in Karnataka to protest the release of Cauvery River water to Tamil Nadu. To manage the situation and prevent law and order issues, the Karnataka Police deployed additional forces across the state.
Massive Protest Procession in Bengaluru
Protesters planned a significant procession from Town Hall to Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Vatal Nagaraj’s ‘Kanadda Chaluvali’ group, which called for the bandh, also threatened to block national highways and airports, emphasizing their determination to protest.
In anticipation of the state-wide shutdown, Mandya district in Karnataka has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to maintain law and order.
Schools and Colleges Closed
In response to the bandh, educational institutions in Bengaluru city declared a holiday for students’ safety. This decision was made to ensure the well-being of students amid the bandh activities.
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Autorickshaw and hail-riders associations in Karnataka expressed their support for the bandh. They announced their participation in the rally from Nayandahalli to Freedom Park.
Impact on Services
Several services were affected by the bandh, including the closure of all educational institutions, private cab services, shopping malls, and movie theatres. However, essential services like public transport, banks, ambulances, and medical stores continued to operate.
Thin traffic on Hosur Road towards Electronic City #Karnatakabandh #Bengaluru @THBengaluru pic.twitter.com/6HDcNpRdCz
— Shreyas HS (@ShreyasJurno) September 29, 2023
Both the opposition BJP and JD(S) extended their support to the bandh, indicating the widespread concern over the Cauvery water issue.
Protests Against Actor Siddharth
On a related note, members of ‘Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Swabhimani Sene disrupted actor Siddharth’s press conference in Bengaluru. They demanded that he leave the venue, citing the inopportune timing of his promotion as Tamil Nadu was demanding Cauvery River water from Karnataka.
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The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) activists staged a massive protest in Bengaluru against the state MPs and the Siddaramaiah government regarding the Cauvery River water issue. They chanted slogans asserting Karnataka’s ownership of the Cauvery River.
The Cauvery Water Dispute
The Cauvery River water dispute has been a long-standing issue between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Recently, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) ordered Karnataka to release 5000 cusecs of water. It was to give Tamil Nadu for 15 days. Karnataka cited inadequate rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area, including regions in Kerala, as the reason for being unable to comply. Tamil Nadu insists on its share of the river’s water, emphasizing its status as a shared resource.
The Karnataka bandh reflects the continued tensions over the Cauvery River water dispute. As Karnataka and Tamil Nadu grapple with the allocation of this vital resource, protests, and bandhs have become a common occurrence. The need for a resolution to this decades-old issue is crucial.
