Karnataka is set to be paralyzed for 12 hours on Saturday, March 22, 2025, as pro-Kannada organizations, led by the Kannada Okkoota coalition, call for a statewide bandh (shutdown) following escalating tensions over language issues and a recent violent incident involving a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor.
The bandh will commence at 6 AM and last until 6 PM, directly responding to the assault on the conductor in Belagavi, where he was reportedly attacked for not speaking Marathi. This assault has sparked deep-rooted grievances among Kannada activists about the treatment of Kannada speakers in regions where linguistic and cultural identities are hotly contested.
The incident, which occurred in February 2025, saw the conductor become the victim of violence when he failed to communicate in Marathi. A heated argument between the conductor and passengers escalated into physical violence, resulting in injuries that required hospitalization.
This event has been highlighted by Kannada Okkoota as a symbol of a larger struggle for recognition and respect for the Kannada language and people. Vatal Nagaraj, a prominent pro-Kannada activist, stated, “No drivers should operate their vehicles on the day of the bandh. It is a matter of self-esteem and respect for the drivers in the state.” Nagaraj’s firm stance underscores the sentiment that this protest transcends mere transportation issues, tapping into notions of identity and dignity.
The bandh has garnered widespread support from various sectors, including transport unions, who are expected to halt services. The Ola and Uber Owners and Drivers Association, as well as multiple auto-rickshaw unions, have pledged their allegiance to the cause, suggesting severe disruptions to ride-sharing services across the state. Local transportation is expected to see limited availability, with many drivers choosing to participate in solidarity with their Kannada-speaking peers.
As schools navigate ongoing examination schedules, there remains uncertainty over whether classes will proceed as planned. D Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of the Associated Managements of Private Unaided Schools, expressed, “We want to participate in the protest, but we can only extend moral support due to the ongoing exams across the state.” This reflects a balancing act between educational responsibilities and a commitment to regional identity.
The organizers have a list of demands, including the prohibition of pro-Marathi organizations such as the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES), which they accuse of inciting violence and disrupting communal harmony. Furthermore, they are opposing the proposed Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Bill, which intends to subdivide Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones—an initiative seen by many as a potential dilution of Kannada cultural identity.
Historically, tensions between Kannada and Marathi communities in Karnataka trace back to the state's formation in 1956, during which essential border disputes emerged. Following Maharashtra's establishment on May 1, 1960, claims to areas such as Belagavi heightened the language divide, contributing to a fraught relationship still evident today.
Despite the commitments from various unions, the day of the bandh may not see a complete halt to all commercial activities. Many businesses have expressed moral support for the protest but will likely operate. The hotel and film industries are among those reportedly extending symbolic backing, yet clarity on operational hours remains uncertain.
Protests of this nature underscore the ongoing struggle for linguistic rights and representation in Karnataka. Political analysts believe that such movements will continue to shape the discourse around cultural identity and governance in the region, significantly influencing both local and state elections.
While security measures are anticipated to prevent turmoil, authorities are preparing for unavoidable disruptions in public transport and essential services. Schools and parents are urged to prepare for varying outcomes depending on decisions made at the last minute regarding closures.
The Kannada Okkoota has called for a march to begin at 9:30 AM from Freedom Park to mobilize support for their cause. This gathering signifies an unyielding commitment to upholding Kannada identity against perceived encroachments. Nagaraj emphasized the necessity of the shutdown saying, “Pro-Marathi activists have gone on a rampage in Belagavi. They are terrorising Kannada-speaking people.”
As Karnataka braces itself for a day of heightened tension and collective action on March 22, the outcome of the bandh will undoubtedly resonate across the state, reinforcing or redefining community boundaries and power dynamics among its diverse populations.
