Karnataka Bandh on March 22: What It Means for Students, Transport and Businesses
Karnataka will observe a statewide bandh on March 22, organized by pro-Kannada groups in response to an attack on a KSRTC bus conductor. The strike may disrupt exams, transport, and businesses, causing concerns for students and daily commuters.
02:26 PM Mar 21, 2025 IST
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Aakash Khuman
Karnataka Bandh on March 22: The bandh has been called by Kannada Okkoota after a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi was allegedly attacked by pro-Marathi groups for not speaking Marathi. This incident has intensified long-standing language disputes between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
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Protesters have put forward demands, including:
- A ban on Marathi groups like Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Karnataka.
- Protection of Kannada-speaking people, especially in border areas.
- Opposition to dividing Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones, fearing it may affect Kannada culture.
Will Schools and Exams Be Affected?
The bandh is raising concerns among students and parents, especially those appearing for board exams. While Karnataka’s SSLC exams remain unaffected, Class 12 ISC students have a scheduled Home Science exam in the afternoon.
Many schools have assured that exams will proceed as planned, and parents have committed to bringing their children to exam centers. However, if the situation escalates, authorities might decide to close schools for safety reasons.
How Will Transport & Daily Life Be Affected?
Public transport in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka might see disruptions. While KSRTC and BMTC bus services have not confirmed a complete shutdown, delays or limited services are expected. Ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber, along with auto-rickshaws, might also be affected as unions have shown support for the bandh.
Hotels and the film industry have expressed solidarity with the protest, though it is unclear how their operations will be impacted.
Long-Standing Language Dispute
The Karnataka-Maharashtra border issue is decades old, with Maharashtra claiming 865 villages, including Belagavi, Karwar, and Nippani, since the 1960s. Karnataka has repeatedly rejected these claims, leading to continued tensions and occasional clashes between Kannada and Marathi-speaking groups.
As the bandh approaches, citizens are advised to plan their travel and schedules accordingly, keeping in mind possible disruptions.
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