Karnataka braces for another bandh

Bengaluru: Life is expected to come to standstill on Saturday in the wake of 'Karnataka bandh' call given by various farmers' organisation in support of their demands.

Karnataka Sugarcane Growers Association President Kurubur Shanthakumar said the bundh would be observed from 6 am to 6 pm. They would not force closure of shops and business establishments but have appealed them to participate in the bandh to support the cause of farmers.

They were demanding speedy implementation of the Kalasa-Banduri drinking water schemes and steps to prevent farmers from commiting suicide owing to failure of crops. He said as many as 36 organisations including some pro-Kannada bodies have extended support for the bundh.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy opined there would be no impact of bandh on bus services in Bengaluru City as well as in rest of the State. However, instruction has been given to managing directors of all corporations to take decision depending upon the situation to prevent damage to buses.

Schools and colleges were flooded with phone calls on Friday from worried parents enquiring whether there will be a holiday on Saturday, as so far, no school announced it was going to be closed.