Karnataka bandh Jan 25: No movie screening, 2000 organisations support bandh for Mahadayi

Pro-Kannada outfits including Vatal Nagaraj's groups have called for Karnataka bandh on January 25 Vatal Nagaraj of the Chalavadi Vatal Paksha told that at least 2,000 pro-Kannada groups had extended their support to this bandh No films will be screened in Karnataka on January 25

Pro-Kannada outfits including Vatal Nagaraj's groups have called for Karnataka bandh on January 25, demanding Mahadayi water to North Karnataka. The leaders are seeking the Prime Minister's intervention as BJP government in Goa has been requested to release water to Karnataka.

Vatal Nagaraj of the Chalavadi Vatal Paksha told that at least 2,000 pro-Kannada groups had extended their support to the bandh.

Speaking to Asianet Newsable, Sara Govindu, the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (FKCC) Chairperson confirmed that the KFCC would support the bandh and no films will be screened that day.

Reports state that the pro-Kannada organisations are trying to convince government officers, employees, lorry owners, petrol bunk owners, school-college authorities to extend their support to the bandh.

However, the government offices or school-colleges have not declared a holiday on January 25, so far.

Karnataka had requested for 7.56 TMC water from Mahadayi River in Goa to Malaprabha River in Karnataka to quench the thirst of those in 180 villages in North Karnataka through Kalasa Banduri Lift Irrigation project.   

Karnataka BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa has promised to get Mahanadi water to Karnataka by December 15. But when there was no success in this, a bandh was called on December 27, and it was total in most parts of North Karnataka.

After the protest, Goa CM Manohar Parrikar recently had agreed for talks with Karnataka regarding water sharing and said, "Yes, we cannot deny water sought for drinking purpose." But it didn't take much time for him to take a U-turn. He soon changed his stance and said there was no question of having talks with Karnataka in this regard.

Following this, the bandh has been called on January 25. Even other parts of Karnataka, especially Bengaluru and Mysuru, are expected to support the bandh for the cause of getting drinking water to North Karnataka.

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