Pro-Kannada activists in Karnataka’s Ramanagara district staged a symbolic funeral for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday morning, intensifying protests against the release of Cauvery river water to the neighboring state. These protests have triggered a call for a statewide bandh on September 29, with Bengaluru already experiencing a strike today.
Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organization, orchestrated a funeral scene with a portrait of MK Stalin and conducted rituals typically performed during a person’s demise. A floral wreath was placed on the picture of Stalin, and a group of protesters chanted slogans against the DMK chief. Concurrently, a group of Tamil Nadu farmers expressed their discontent with Karnataka’s stance on Cauvery water and demanded its release. In a unique display of protest, some Tamil Nadu farmers held deceased rats in their mouths in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
As the strike unfolded in Bengaluru today, schools and colleges were already closed, and several IT offices allowed their employees to work from home. Meanwhile, the pro-Kannada group “Kannada Chaluvali,” led by Vatal Nagaraj, affirmed their commitment to the statewide bandh scheduled for Friday. Nagaraj stated during a press conference on Monday, “Everyone will support the bandh. We will protest in front of the Raj Bhavan. We will block national highways and airports. Buses, taxis, and autos will support the bandh.”
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, however, made it clear that permission had not been granted for the bandh on Tuesday, explicitly prohibiting processions and rallies. He issued a stern warning of strict action against any individuals involved in untoward incidents. Prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 were enforced from Monday midnight to Tuesday midnight, limiting public gatherings to no more than five people.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that the government would not curtail the protests but insisted that they must be conducted in adherence to the law and order of the city.
Summary:
- Pro-Kannada activists hold mock funeral for Tamil Nadu CM amidst Cauvery water dispute.
- Karnataka witnesses a strike; schools, colleges closed; IT offices allow work from home.
- Kannada Chaluvali group calls for a statewide bandh on September 29.
- Bengaluru Police Commissioner prohibits Tuesday’s bandh; issues strict warnings.
- CM Siddaramaiah assures protests will not be curtailed, emphasizes adherence to law.