What's Closed and What's Open in the Karnataka Bandh? Why is it happening?

arnataka Bandh: What's Open, What's Closed, and the Reason Behind the Protest

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: March 22, 2025

Summary: On March 22, Karnataka declared a bandh that will impact daily life, businesses, transportation, and schools.

Given that numerous organizations have called for a statewide bandh, the Karnataka bandh has the potential to disrupt daily life. Authorities are taking necessary precautions to maintain law and order, but it has impacted public transportation, schools, and businesses.

For safety concerns, even private schools and colleges have announced closures. However, government institutions will function normally until further notice. Traveling will be difficult for commuters, as buses and autos will be limited. Essential services like medical shops, hospitals, and emergency services will remain open.

There will be partial or complete closures of numerous markets, shopping centers, and commercial buildings. Law enforcement has been positioned in strategic locations to guard against any unfavorable incidents and to safeguard the public.

The reason for the Karnataka Bandh?

A KSRTC conductor of a bus traveling from Belagavi to Balekundri last month was attacked by members of pro-Marathi organizations because he could not speak their language.

This lead suspension of interstate bus service between Maharashtra and Karnataka. The conductor's outburst sparked a discussion about the long history of linguistic disputes between the two republics.