Karnataka Bandh Evokes Lukewarm Response in Coastal and North Regions
Mangaluru: Coastal and North Karnataka districts remained unaffected by the statewide Karnataka Bandh, which was called for by various organizations on Friday.
The bandh, organized in vehement opposition to the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, saw resolute participation in certain regions. However the bandh call evoked no response in Coastal and North Karnataka districts. Karnataka University in Dharwad rescheduled Friday's Undergraduate exams, but Schools, Colleges, as well as public transportation services remained uninterrupted in the Coastal and North Karnataka districts. Commercial establishments, hotels and shops continued operations without hindrance.
Symbolic demonstrations were, however, conducted in multiple district headquarters by pro-Kannada and farmers groups.
"This issue deeply concerns the residents of Mysuru, Mandya, Bengaluru, and the surrounding districts. We firmly believe that Cauvery is the lifeline of those districts. However, it's challenging to enforce a statewide bandh on this issue. The people who rely on Cauvery water are profoundly committed to this cause, which is why the bandh is observed rigorously in those areas. People of Coastal and North Karnataka regions have extended their moral support to the movement," activist MG Hegde told Deccan Chronicle.
In Uttara Kannada district, members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Praveen Shetty faction) and Bhuvaneswari Kannada Sangha conducted demonstrations. Both organizations insisted that the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu should be halted.
Those affiliated with Karnataka Rakshana Vedike staged a protest near the Dandeli bus stand, using empty vessels as symbolic representations to underscore their message.
Activists from Bhuvaneswari Kannada Sangha held their protest in front of the Mini Vidhana Soudha in Bhatkal.
Expressing their dissatisfaction over the absence of the Assistant Commissioner and Tahsildar at the Mini Vidhana Soudha in Bhatkal, protesters who intended to submit a memorandum voiced their discontent.
Subsequently, the protesters handed over their memorandum to the Grade-II Tahsildar.
