Karnataka bandh: Minimal disruption in Bengaluru but Vatal Nagaraj claims victory

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Bandh received a mixed response, with many unions offering only symbolic support to protest the recent assault on a bus crew by pro-Marathi groups in Belagavi.

In Bengaluru, traffic was lighter, and public transportation use decreased in the morning and afternoon. However, most shops, restaurants, and commercial establishments remained open.

PC Rao, President of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association, stated that while the association had expressed symbolic support, the decision to participate in the bandh was left to individual hotel owners.

About 20% of traders in busy business hubs such as Avenue Road closed their shops, as there was no directive from the association to cease operations. According to representatives of the Adarsh Auto Union, about 75% of auto drivers supported the bandh and stayed off the roads, although many others continued to operate. Food, grocery, and packers-movers apps functioned normally.

Despite limited participation, the impact of the bandh was mild, but Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj claimed it was a success.

“Some organisations have given ‘symbolic’ support without participating in the bandh. Who wants your symbolic support? The police have called up hotels and shops and told them not to shut down. Despite this, the bandh was a success,” Nagaraj added.

Nagaraj was determined to lead a rally from Town Hall as part of the 12-hour Karnataka bandh. However, Dayananda had issued a stern warning on Friday about strict action against any rally that disrupted the public.

Despite the commissioner’s stern warning, protesters continued to gather at Town Hall in batches to start a rally. The police were prepared at the venue with a Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoon, a kabaddi squad, and female officers to manage the protesters.

By 1 pm, the police had moved more than 150 protesters to Freedom Park following the commissioner’s order that no rallies were to be held. The situation intensified after 2 pm.

High drama unfolded at Town Hall when a 75-year-old veteran activist made his entrance alongside producer Sa Ra Govindu, supported by hundreds of protesters who voiced their displeasure against the government and police department.

When Nagaraj arrived, the volume of the slogans significantly increased, showing support for the bandh led by him.

As soon as Nagaraj stepped out of his car, the police detained him and escorted him to a BMTC bus stationed to transport the protesters to Town Hall. This action provoked Nagaraj.

“I have never witnessed such police brutality during my bandh calls; the police are engaging in ‘goondagiri.’ They are trying to silence us by serving notices,” Nagaraj said.

Police security was heightened in front of Town Hall. 

Vehicle traffic was sparse on BVK Iyengar Road.