<p>Kannada organisations have called for a day-long Karnataka bandh on December 31, if their demand for a complete ban on the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi (MES) is not fulfilled by December 29.</p>.<p>The call for a bandh on New Year’s eve, which accounts for business worth several crores of rupees, has left many organisations divided in their support to the state-wide shutdown.</p>.<p>“This is the time that we as Kannadigas must show the country our strength. We seek everybody’s support in making it a success,” said Vatal Nagaraj, chairperson of the Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha.</p>.<p>He said, “CM Bommai has time till December 29. He must take a strong decision to ban MES, which is indulging in anti-Karnataka activities. They have burnt the Kannada flag and damaged government vehicles. This is a question of our pride.”</p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-districts/three-arrested-for-burning-kannada-flag-near-khanapur-1063150.html" target="_blank">Three arrested for burning Kannada flag near Khanapur</a></strong></p>.<p>Vatal and his supporters refused to accept the CM’s statement that sedition cases will be filed against MES leaders and that he would write to the Centre, recommending a ban on the MES.</p>.<p>He claimed that more than 35 organisations, including trade and labour unions, transport bodies have expressed their support, besides artistes from Sandalwood.</p>.<p>However, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), led by T A Narayana Gowda, has distanced itself from the bandh.</p>.<p>“Observing bandh is not the only solution. People have already suffered due to the pandemic,” Gowda said.</p>.<p>But they would support the demand for a total ban on the activities of MES in Karnataka, he said.</p>.<p>The Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association said they would only lend moral support to the bandh and keep hotels open.</p>.<p>D Shashikumar, general secretary of the Associated Managements of Schools in Karnataka (KAMS), said they would wear black badges to support the cause.</p>.<p>The KRV and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce have called for a meeting of their members on Thursday to take a final decision on the support to the bandh.</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Supporting the bandh</strong></p>.<p>A majority Kannada organisations, garment workers union, transport organisations, autorickshaw unions, taxi owners and drivers association, roadside vendors, film artistes and technicians, Ola, Uber cabs association.</p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Not sure of support</strong></p>.<p>Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, KAMS, Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association, Peace Auto, KFCC.</p>.<p><strong>Watch latest videos by DH here:</strong></p>
<p>Kannada organisations have called for a day-long Karnataka bandh on December 31, if their demand for a complete ban on the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi (MES) is not fulfilled by December 29.</p>.<p>The call for a bandh on New Year’s eve, which accounts for business worth several crores of rupees, has left many organisations divided in their support to the state-wide shutdown.</p>.<p>“This is the time that we as Kannadigas must show the country our strength. We seek everybody’s support in making it a success,” said Vatal Nagaraj, chairperson of the Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha.</p>.<p>He said, “CM Bommai has time till December 29. He must take a strong decision to ban MES, which is indulging in anti-Karnataka activities. They have burnt the Kannada flag and damaged government vehicles. This is a question of our pride.”</p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-districts/three-arrested-for-burning-kannada-flag-near-khanapur-1063150.html" target="_blank">Three arrested for burning Kannada flag near Khanapur</a></strong></p>.<p>Vatal and his supporters refused to accept the CM’s statement that sedition cases will be filed against MES leaders and that he would write to the Centre, recommending a ban on the MES.</p>.<p>He claimed that more than 35 organisations, including trade and labour unions, transport bodies have expressed their support, besides artistes from Sandalwood.</p>.<p>However, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), led by T A Narayana Gowda, has distanced itself from the bandh.</p>.<p>“Observing bandh is not the only solution. People have already suffered due to the pandemic,” Gowda said.</p>.<p>But they would support the demand for a total ban on the activities of MES in Karnataka, he said.</p>.<p>The Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association said they would only lend moral support to the bandh and keep hotels open.</p>.<p>D Shashikumar, general secretary of the Associated Managements of Schools in Karnataka (KAMS), said they would wear black badges to support the cause.</p>.<p>The KRV and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce have called for a meeting of their members on Thursday to take a final decision on the support to the bandh.</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Supporting the bandh</strong></p>.<p>A majority Kannada organisations, garment workers union, transport organisations, autorickshaw unions, taxi owners and drivers association, roadside vendors, film artistes and technicians, Ola, Uber cabs association.</p>.<p class="CrossHead"><strong>Not sure of support</strong></p>.<p>Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, KAMS, Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association, Peace Auto, KFCC.</p>.<p><strong>Watch latest videos by DH here:</strong></p>
