Karnataka bandh on March 22: Why Bengaluru and other cities will witness a 12-hour statewide shutdown between 6am and 6pm
Karnataka Bandh March 22 Reason
The bandh was announced after a KSRTC bus conductor was allegedly attacked by pro-Marathi groups in Belagavi in February. The incident reportedly occurred due to the conductor not speaking in Marathi, adding to the ongoing linguistic tensions in the region.
Karnataka Bandh Demands
The organisers have put forward several demands, including:
A ban on Marathi groups such as Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Karnataka.
Measures to protect the Kannada-speaking population, especially in border areas like Belagavi.
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Opposition to the proposed division of Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones, citing concerns about its impact on Kannada culture.
Karnataka Bandh March 22: Historical background of language tensions
Linguistic tensions between Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities in Karnataka stem from a long-standing border dispute with Maharashtra, particularly in Belagavi. The dispute dates back to the formation of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960. Maharashtra has claimed 865 villages, including Belagavi, Karwar, and Nippani, and has sought a merger with its territory. Karnataka has consistently opposed any changes to its borders.
Organisers are demanding a ban on Marathi groups like the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Karnataka. They also seek measures to protect the Kannada-speaking population, especially in border areas, and oppose dividing Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones.
The underlying tension arises from a border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra dating back to Maharashtra's formation in 1960. Maharashtra