Karnataka bandh evokes mixed reactions across state
Normal life hasn’t taken a hit as local buses and Namma Metro are plying as usual and people are out on streets carrying on with their normal routine. However, the response to the bandh was mixed as some parts functioned normally while protesters were detained in some other parts for creating chaos in Bengaluru.
FollowBengaluru: The Karnataka bandh called by the Karnataka Sanghatanegala Okkuta on Thursday has seen mixed reactions. The bandh has been called to demand the implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report, which recommends job reservations to Kannadigas in the state in both private and public sector undertakings and MNCs and also implementation of Mekedatu and Mahadayi projects.
Meanwhile, CM BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday invited pro-Kannada organisations for talks to discuss their demands on the implementation of the Dr Sarojini Mahishi Committee report and appealed to them to call off the bandh.
However, the pro-Kannada outfits have failed to budge and have gone ahead with the protest. Ola and Uber have stayed off roads and extended support to the bandh.
Lorry and truck associations and hoteliers have extended moral support too.
Namma Metro, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses have been plying as usual from early morning and schools and colleges have remained open.
However, some organisations have opposed the bandh stating it was causing huge loses and affecting the public. Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has also opposed it.
The Karnataka government under then chief minister Ramakrishna Hegde had appointed a committee in 1983 which was led by MP Sarojini Mahishi to look into reservation for Kannadigas in the state.
The report was finalised in 1986 and it recommended job reservations for Kannadigas in government jobs, public sector units and even in the private sector. It made 58 recommendations. Of these, 45 recommendations were accepted by the state government for implementation.
