Bengaluru bandh may hit normal life, transport services likely to be unavailable

BENGALURU: Representatives of pro-Kannada groups, farmers’ organisations and others held a meeting at Freedom Park on Sunday to discuss the contours of  the ‘Bengaluru Bandh’ on September 26.

The Water Conservation Committee member and KRRS leader Kurubur Shanthakumar, AAP state president  Mukhyamantri Chandru and autorickshaw union leaders participated in the meeting.

Transport services are likely to be affected on Tuesday as the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) staff unions have extended their support to the Bengaluru bandh called by pro-Kannada outfits and farmers’ associations. So far, the unions are firm on going ahead with the bandh.

Speaking to the media, Kurubur Shanthakumar said, “We have got support from many organisations, educational institutions, and parents. The bandh is not a matter of prestige, it is a matter of self-esteem. About 37 drivers’ unions have extended support for the bandh and we plan to organise rallies. Autorickshaws, airport taxis and goods vehicles will not be available”.

Shanthakumar further said, “The bandh is not to insult Bengaluru, it is a question of people’s lives. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has spoken lightly about protesters. We are fighting for the people. He should not make such statements. We condemn his statement”.

Mukhyamantri Chandru said, “A peaceful bandh will take place. We are expressing outrage at the government. It is not in our personal interest. We have also talked to the film board and they said they were ready for the bandh. It will be officially announced. I request that film actors also participate in the bandh. I haven’t spoken to Shivarajkumar personally. I will talk to other actors too”.