Why Was March 22 Karnataka Bandh Called? All About the Language Row

Bengaluru: Pro-Kannada organisations have called for a statewide bandh on March 22 after a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor was assaulted in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi. The bandh, scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm, has been called by Kannada Okkoota, an umbrella body of various pro-Kannada groups. The protests began at 6:00 AM and will continue until 6:00 PM.The Karnataka police have heightened security amidst the demonstrations, which have the potential to escalate into chaos. The Karnataka government has also urged citizens to protest peacefully.

Visuals from various areas of Karnataka, including Mandya and Koppal, show people taking to the streets, sloganeering, and protesting against the assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) staff member. 

Tensions Rise After Assault in Belagavi 

The attack occurred in February when a bus conductor was allegedly beaten by individuals linked to pro-Marathi groups. The incident has intensified linguistic tensions in Belagavi, a district with a long-standing Kannada-Marathi divide. According to police, the altercation began when a passenger insisted on speaking in Marathi, leading to an argument that escalated into violence.  

READ MORE: Karnataka Bandh Today LIVE | 12-Hour Statewide Shutdown Over Language Row | Republic World

What Remains Open During the Bandh

Despite the bandh call, essential services will continue to function. Pharmacies, hospitals, and ambulance services will remain operational. Fuel stations will also stay open. Bars, restaurants, malls, and multiplexes have extended only moral support to the bandh and are expected to function as usual. Government offices will remain open, but attendance may be affected due to transport disruptions. Flight and train services will operate normally, and metro services are also expected to run as usual.  

What Will be Closed  

Public transport is expected to be hit, with cabs, auto-rickshaws, and private transport unions likely to stay off the roads. Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) services may also be affected, though no official confirmation has been issued. Many schools are taking a 'wait and watch' approach, with some already declaring a holiday as a precaution. Trade unions have not taken a final call, but if they join, markets, shopping complexes, and local stores may also shut down.  

Deputy CM Opposes Bandh 

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has not extended government support to the bandh. While pro-Kannada groups demand strict action against the assailants, the government is yet to make any official statement on the matter.  

Language Row Sparks Wider Political Debate

The issue of language politics extends beyond Karnataka. In Tamil Nadu, the DMK government strongly opposed the Centre’s move to make Hindi a mandatory subject in schools. DMK workers protested by painting over Hindi signs in Chennai and other parts of the state. The incident in Belagavi has now reignited debates over linguistic identity and regional rights, putting pressure on political leaders to address the growing discontent.