Athani observes bandh to demand district status

CHIKKODI: Athani town in Belagavi district observed a bandh on Monday, led by Congress MLC Laxman Savadi, to demand district status. The bandh call was supported by Kannada, farmers’ and Dalit groups.

A two-wheeler rally was also taken out.

A massive protest rally was taken out in the town from Siddeshwara temple to Basaveshwara Circle and the Vijayapura-Belagavi road was also blockaded for some time. A two-wheeler rally was also organised.

A road blockade was observed for some time.

All commercial establishments in the town remained shut in support of the bandh call. Only essential services like milk booths, medical stores and hospitals functioned. Bus services functioned as usual, but some Kannada activists blocked buses and staged a protest for some time.

Congress leader Laxman Savadi led the protest rally.

Laxman Savadi said he will raise the issue with the Assembly Speaker during the ongoing winter session in Belagavi. Prabhu Channabasava Mahaswami of Motagi Math and Shivabasava Swami of Gachchinamath also took part in the protest rally.