Bandh unlikely in Bengaluru

The state bandh called by BJP may evoke mixed response, with disruption of normal life limited to certain pockets and no likely effect in Bengaluru.

Transportation within the city and outside is unlikely to be affected as BMTC and KSRTC will run their operations as usual. A KSRTC official said any change in the service operations will be decided after assessing the situation.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly B S Yeddyurappa, who had threatend to shut down the state, has changed his stance stating that the BJP will only support the bandh called by farmers.

Farmers not to support

Neither farmers associations nor pro-Kannada organisations have said they will support the bandh. Kodihalli Chandrashekhar, president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene state unit, said they will not support the bandh.

Kannada Okkuta Chaluvali's Vatal Nagaraj said he "does not know of Monday's bandh and will not support it".

BJP leaders at district level gave the call for Monday's bandh on Sunday and requested the traders, hotel associations, cinema hall owners to join them. Most of coastal Karnataka and several districts in northern parts of the state are likely to shut down.

In Mysuru region, farmers and owners of commercial establishments said they will not support the bandh. State police chief Neelmani Raju directed the police to ensure tight security in the state.

The DG&IGP has issued a circular to IGPs, police commissioners and district SPs, in which she stated that the bandh was in violation of Supreme Court directions.

She directed for arrest of persons who try to forcefully shut down any commercial establishments. Ensure that BJP workers and leaders follow the Supreme Court order, Neelmani said.

The bandh is unlikely to disturb Bengaluru, where Rajarajeshwari Nagar goes to polls on Monday. City police commissioner T Suneel Kumar said if anybody tries to enforce the bandh, action will be initiated against them.