Industries, commercial establishments in 11 north Karnataka districts down shutters over power tariff hike

BENGALURU: Commercial establishments and industries in eleven districts of North Karnataka downed their shutters in protest against the steep hike in commercial power tariff on Thursday, in response to a call given by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI). Except for essential services, all other activity was halted from 10 am to 5 pm.

In Bagalkot the APMC was completely shut and the traders in pulses and grains also downed their shutters while godowns and warehouses were also shut. However, the vegetable market continued to function.

In Belagavi, about 35,000 industrialists at the Machhe industrial area staged a protest. The hoteliers’ association also extended their support and closed all restaurants.

Traders staged a protest in Ballari and hotels and owners of jeans and cotton mills also extended their support. They also staged a protest and took out a procession. All shops, commercial establishments, movie halls, cotton and jeans industries were shut.

The industrial area on Gokul Road in Hubballi was also completely shut and all gates were locked. All industries, transport, automobile, textile and other businessed were closed. In neighbouring Dharwad, there was mixed response as hotels and other small businesses continued to function. However, protesting traders took out a procession.

Businesses, industries and commercial establishments also remained closed in Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Vijayanagara, Haveri, Koppal, Karwar and Yadgir. In the southern parts of the state, businesses remained closed in Mandya. In view of the talks with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, scheduled for Friday, several other chambers of commerce did not support the bandh call.

Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil said he will hold discussions with the CM.

Speaking to reporters in Vijayapura, Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil said, “Our government did not hike the power tariff, it was decided by the KERC and it is revised periodically. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already said that there is no possibility of a rollback, but I will discuss with him and we will see what relief can be given. I appeal to all industries and commercial establishments to cooperate with us”.