Normal life in Bengaluru is expected to be disrupted on Tuesday due to protests against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Several organisations, including farmers' groups, Pro-Kannada organisations, and opposition parties, have called for a complete shutdown, referred to as the 'Bengaluru Bandh,' on September 26 in response to the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
A coalition of organisations, including the Federation of Farmers' Associations, the Federation of Pro-Kannada Organisations, the Cauvery Jala Samrakshana Samiti, and the Organisation for the Bengaluru Resident Welfare Associations, has come together to support this bandh.
The organisations will lead a substantial protest march in Bengaluru, starting from Town Hall and heading to SBM Circle.
What will remain operational during the shutdown?
According to reports from Times Now, hospitals, nursing homes, medical shops, emergency services, government offices, and Namma
Metro services will continue to function during the Bangalore Bandh on Tuesday.
Additionally, hotels and restaurants may remain open, as the Hotels Association has withdrawn its support for the bandh on September 26 and will instead support the bandh on the 29th.
Ola, Uber, and auto services will operate as usual, as the Ola Uber Drivers' and Owners' Association has chosen to participate in the statewide shutdown and has withdrawn from the Bengaluru shutdown, as per the report.
What will be closed during the shutdown?
According to the Times Now report, all shops, commercial establishments, industries, street vendors, theatres, malls, multiplexes, and goods vehicles in Bengaluru will remain closed.
As for schools, the Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has expressed its moral support for the bandh and will decide whether to declare a holiday for schools on Monday.
The Karnataka State Travel Operators Association and Karnataka State Motorists Association (KSMA) have also extended their support for the Bandh on September 26 and 29.
Leaders of pro-farmers' groups, Pro-Kannada organisations, and various political parties, led by the Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti (KJSS), held a meeting at Freedom Park and collectively decided to observe the bandh on September 26.
Kuruburu Shanthkumar, the president of the Sugarcane Growers Federation, emphasised that this shutdown represents the citizens of Bengaluru who are concerned about their water supply being diverted to Tamil Nadu.
They are seeking cooperation from the IT sector, banking sector, commercial and business establishments, industries, schools, colleges, and transport organisations to make this bandh successful and send a strong message to both the state and central governments.
Opposition parties, including BJP, AAP, and JDS, have expressed their support for the Bandh as well.