Karnataka bandh: CM meets pro-Kannada activists, urges them to call off their stir

BANGALORE: Karnataka Sanghatanegala Okkoota, a congregation of various pro-Kannada organisations, has called for a state-wide bandh in Karnataka on Thursday (February 13, 2020) demanding reservation in jobs for Kannadigas in both government and private sectors. The Karnataka bandh, which began from 6 am till 6 pm, is likely to impact life in Bengaluru as well as in other parts of the state. Interestingly, Ola and Uber drivers have also extended support to the bandh. 

In Bengaluru, some other drivers’ associations, including Jai Bharatha Vehicle Owners and Drivers Association and Adarsha Auto and Taxi Union have also supported the bandh. Several other organisations like the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), and Lorry Owners Association have supported the February 13 bandh. 

In the wake of the bandh, the Bangalore University has postponed all the post-graduate examinations scheduled for February 13 (Thursday). Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao said permission has not been given to the protest and none can forcibly shut shops or businesses. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has urged protesters to desist from causing any inconvenience to the general public. He has also said that he is ready for talks and committed to providing jobs for Kannadiga youths in the government as well as the private sectors.  

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13 February 2020

12:21 PM IST

In view of the bandh, there is heavy police deployment in Bangalore. 2 ACPs, 5 PIs, 15 PSIs and 800 police personnel have deployed at various places across the city.

12:01 PM IST

Karnataka CM meets pro-Kannada activists; they have submitted a memorandum to him.

10:25 AM IST

State govt institutions are functioning normally across Karnataka. 

10:19 AM IST

The situation is largely peaceful and there is no major impact of bandh on normal life across Karnataka.

10:12 AM IST

We have told our drivers to stop services till evening. More than 70,000 vehicles usually run, but we are stopping the service today. We are supporting the bandh: Tanveer, President of Ola, Uber Drivers’ and Owners’ Association, Bengaluru.

08:57 AM IST

Stones pelted on a Tirupati-Mangaluru bus in Farangipet as Karnataka bandh comes into effect

07:47 AM IST

Karnataka government has announced that schools and colleges across the state will function as usual

07:47 AM IST

Praveen Shetty, the leader of one of the factions of KRV, has revealed that a huge rally will be taken out from Anekal Toll Gate to the residence of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa today

07:44 AM IST

Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa has said that he is ready to hold talks with protesters. The CM assured that the govt is committed to allocating more jobs for Kannadiga youths in the government as well as the private sectors

07:43 AM IST

The Karnataka government has assured that the bus services will be operated as usual.

07:35 AM IST

Bengaluru Police chief Bhaskar Rao has said permission has not been given to the protest and none can forcibly shut shops or businesses.

07:33 AM IST

Several pro-Kannada outfits have called bandh demanding implementation of Sarojini Mahishi Report

07:09 AM IST

Karnataka bandh, which will begin from 6 am till 6 pm, is likely to impact life in Bengaluru as well as in other parts of the state.

07:08 AM IST

Pro-Kannada outfits have called for a day-long bandh in Karnataka today.