Bharat Bandh – Sporadic protests witnessed in Karnataka

Team Udayavani, Sep 27, 2021, 12:52 PM IST

Bengaluru: The “Bharat Bandh” in protest of the Centre’s 3 farm laws has evoked a tepid response in Karnataka. Earlier the Congress party had expressed its full support for the pan-India shut down called by the farmer organizations on Monday, September 27.

Various associations of hoteliers, autos, Ola-Uber drivers, larry owners, and others have voiced their moral support. But, public transport facilities including KSRTC, BMTC, railways, and metro, are working as usual. Buses are ferrying passengers in most districts in the state and commuters are moving around without hassle.

Schools and colleges remain open. But, Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University in Vijayapura has postponed all examinations scheduled for Monday.

Life as Usual in Coastal Districts:

The Bharat Bandh did not elicit any response in the coastal districts. There are no signs of any protest in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district so far. Unobstructed movement of buses and people is being witnessed everywhere. Shops and hotels remain open for business.

Onion Garland Adorns PM Modi’s Portrait in Chitradurga:

Protests began in Chitradurga early in the morning. The leaders of farmers’ organizations and workers associations have congregated at the Gandhi Circle and are raising slogans against the government’s actions.

The farmer faction led by Lingavarahatti Laxmikant voiced their anguish of the farm laws bedecking a portrait of PM Narendra Modi with a garland of onions. “Farmers are suffering due to the collapse of onion prices. The Centre and State governments are not responding adequately to ease farmers’ plight,” he alleged.

Mixed Response in Davanagere:

Several farmer organizations in Davanagere are supporting the Bharat Bandh. Since 5 AM, protests are being held in front of the bus station. However, they are restricted to the main roads and junctions. Elsewhere life is proceeding as usual. Educational institutes and shops were open. Public transport is also moving normally.

It may be recalled that the nationwide bandh was called to mark the completion of 10 months of farmers’ agitation against the new farm laws. Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the representative body of over 40 farm unions spearheading the farmers’ agitation, had appealed to the people of the nation for wholehearted support to the bandh.