Karnataka witnessed a statewide bandh on March 22, 2025, organized by pro-Kannada groups under the banner of Kannada Okkoota. This 12-hour shutdown from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM was a protest against an alleged assault on a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi, which further inflamed existing linguistic tensions between Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities.

The bandh had a significant impact on daily life, affecting transportation, education, businesses, and public services. Here’s an in-depth look at the reasons behind the bandh, its effect on different sectors, and the government’s response.

Why Was Karnataka Bandh Observed on March 22?

The immediate trigger for the bandh was a reported attack on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi. According to reports, a group of individuals insisted that the conductor speak in Marathi, and when he refused, he was allegedly assaulted.

This incident intensified long-standing linguistic tensions in the border areas of Karnataka and Maharashtra, particularly in Belagavi, which has been a hotspot for Kannada-Marathi disputes.

Pro-Kannada groups saw this attack as an affront to Kannada speakers’ rights, demanding justice for the victim and a stronger assertion of Kannada pride in the region. In response, Kannada Okkoota called for a statewide shutdown to protest the attack and reaffirm Kannada linguistic identity.

Impact of the Bandh on Karnataka

1. Public Transportation Disruptions

• KSRTC (State Buses) and BMTC (Bangalore City Buses) largely remained off the roads as employees supported the bandh.
• Private cabs and auto-rickshaws also participated in the strike, making travel challenging for daily commuters.
• However, Namma Metro services in Bengaluru continued operating as usual.
• Railway and airport services were unaffected, but passengers faced difficulty reaching stations due to the lack of public transport.

2. Schools and Colleges: Open but Impacted

• Educational institutions were not officially closed, but attendance was significantly lower due to transportation issues and safety concerns.
• The bandh coincided with ongoing exams, particularly the SSLC (10th Board) exams, causing anxiety among students and parents.
• There were concerns about possible disruptions at examination centers, but authorities ensured that exams proceeded without major disturbances.

3. Business and Commercial Activities

• Government offices and essential services continued uninterrupted.
• Most private businesses, shops, and restaurants remained open, although some chose to symbolically support the bandh by opening late.
• Malls, movie theaters, and entertainment venues saw fewer visitors due to the bandh’s impact on movement within cities.

4. Law and Order Situation

• Security was heightened across Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, Belagavi, and Hubballi, to prevent violence.
• The police deployed additional forces, including the City Armed Reserve unit and home guards, to maintain peaceful protests.
• Authorities closely monitored pro-Kannada rallies and demonstrations to avoid any escalation into clashes or property damage.

Government Response to the Bandh

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar spoke against the bandh, stating that such shutdowns disrupt normal life and cause inconvenience to students, workers, and businesses. He urged Kannada organizations to find alternative methods of protest, emphasizing that dialogue and legal measures are more effective than statewide disruptions.

The state government reassured citizens that necessary steps were being taken to investigate the Belagavi incident and ensure justice for the KSRTC bus conductor.

Meanwhile, the police issued advisories asking people to stay informed and plan their travel accordingly to minimize the impact of the bandh.

Belagavi: The Lingering Kannada-Marathi Dispute

Belagavi has been a contentious region between Karnataka and Maharashtra for decades. The linguistic divide in the area has often led to tensions between

Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities.

• Maharashtra claims Belagavi as part of its territory due to a significant Marathi-speaking population, whereas Karnataka asserts that Belagavi is an integral part of the state.
• The Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) has consistently demanded that Belagavi be merged with Maharashtra.
• Karnataka’s pro-Kannada groups, on the other hand, have strongly opposed any such move, calling for greater enforcement of Kannada culture and identity.

The March 22 bandh was another episode in this long-standing linguistic and political battle, showing that tensions remain unresolved despite multiple government efforts.

Public Opinion: Mixed Reactions to the Bandh

Supporters of the Bandh Said:

✔️ Kannada identity must be protected, and attacks on Kannada speakers should not be tolerated.
✔️ The bandh sent a strong message that linguistic discrimination will not be accepted in Karnataka.
✔️ It was necessary to protest against Marathi dominance in Karnataka’s border districts.

Critics of the Bandh Said:

❌ A bandh is not a solution—it causes inconvenience to the general public without solving the root issue.
❌ Students appearing for exams faced stress and difficulty due to possible disruptions.
❌ Businesses and daily wage workers suffer financial losses whenever such shutdowns happen.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Karnataka

The Karnataka bandh on March 22, 2025, was a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted linguistic and cultural sensitivities in the state. While pro-Kannada groups successfully raised awareness about their concerns, the shutdown also highlighted the difficulties of using protests as a means of advocacy.

Moving forward, the state government and community leaders must focus on constructive dialogue to resolve linguistic tensions in border areas. Ensuring justice for incidents like the Belagavi bus conductor attack is crucial, but long-term peace can only be achieved through mutual respect, legal resolutions, and inclusive policies.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ The bandh was a response to the alleged attack on a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi over a language dispute.
✔️ Public transport, businesses, and schools were affected, but metro and railway services remained functional.
✔️ Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar opposed the bandh, advocating for non-disruptive protests.
✔️ The bandh revived discussions on the Karnataka-Maharashtra border issue, which remains unresolved.
✔️ While protests help raise awareness, sustainable solutions require legal and diplomatic efforts rather than frequent shutdowns.

The bandh may be over, but the debate on Kannada identity and linguistic rights continues to shape Karnataka’s socio-political landscape. 🚩