Bengaluru to see bandh today over Cauvery water row

As the Cauvery water row continues to grip Karnataka and tensions rise in Mandya and Mysore, a Bengaluru bandh has been announced for tomorrow under the leadership of prominent farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar and AAP state president Mukyamantri Chandru.

- R. JAYAPRAKASH

The bandh has garnered support from over 90 organisations, including farmers’ groups, pro-Kannada advocates, and theatre owners. Yet, consensus remains elusive among hotel owners and bus drivers. Nevertheless, prevailing sentiments suggest that the bandh stands a good chance of success, driven by the pressing Cauvery issue.

Simultaneously, another Karnataka bandh is slated for 29 September, led by Vatal Nagaraj, the chief of the Kannada movement’s Vatal party. This call to action has received widespread backing from hundreds of organisations. During a recent meeting at a private hotel, unanimous agreement was reached to enforce a Karnataka bandh on 29 September, resulting in two significant disruptions within a single week. With the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, these developments have become a focal point in the state’s political landscape.