Bengaluru Bandh: If PM doesn't intervene, bandh on Feb 4 even if government denies permission

Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy has clarified that the government has not given permission to hold Bengaluru Bandh on February 4. But speaking to Asianet Newsable, Kannada Chaluvali Paksha leader Vatal Nagaraj clarified that band would be observed if PM Modi does not agree to intervene in the Mahadayi issue.

Various pro- Kannada organisations had announced that a bandh would be observed on February 4 to pressurise PM Modi to intervene in getting the Mahadayi water to North Karnataka. PM Modi is set for a Karnataka visit on the said day.

However, according to the latest details, the Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy has said, "Protesting is everyone's right. Whoever wants let them stage a protest in the Freedom Park. If anyone tries to inconvenience people and take law into their hands in the name of bandh, we will take strict action against them."

But Vatal Nagaraj is of the opinion that farmers need support and all should gather in getting water into North Karnataka. "PM Modi has time till February 4. If he agrees to talk to Goa with regard to Mahadayi issue, the bandh call will be withdrawn. If not, we will conduct the bandh for sure," he said.

Reacting to Home Minister's statement of no permission, Vatal Nagaraj said, "Ramalinga Reddy is a good man. But farmers need our support. They are in distress, and we should help them."

Earlier, the BJP had termed the bandh observed on January 25 as state-sponsored stir, with an aim to disrupt the programme attended by Amit Shah in Mysuru, on that day.

• Bengaluru bandh
• February 4 bandh
• Karnataka bandh
• Mahadayi bandh
• Mahadayi karnataka bandh
• Ramalinga Reddy
• PM Modi
• Goa government
• Goa Mahadayi
• Mahadayi row
• Karnataka government