Karnataka is gripped by a 12-hour statewide bandh today, March 22, 2025, from 6 AM to 6 PM, as pro-Kannada groups protest the assault of a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi and the controversial Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill.

Led by Kannada Okkuta, a coalition of Kannada advocacy organizations, the shutdown reflects mounting linguistic tensions and discontent with proposed administrative changes in Bengaluru.

The bandh stems from an incident last month in Belagavi, where a KSRTC conductor was allegedly attacked by pro-Marathi groups for not speaking Marathi, reigniting a decades-old border and language dispute with Maharashtra. Protesters also oppose the governance bill, passed in the recent budget session, which aims to split Bengaluru into multiple zones—a move critics fear could erode Kannada identity.

Additional demands include banning groups like the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) and reversing a recent metro fare hike.

Public transport faces potential disruptions, with KSRTC and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) unions expressing solidarity, though no official suspension has been confirmed. Schools and colleges remain open, as the state government, led by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, has refused to endorse the bandh, urging dialogue instead. Essential services—hospitals, pharmacies, and Namma Metro—will operate, but markets in areas like Chickpet and KR Market may close, and cab/auto services could be limited.

A protest march from Town Hall to Freedom Park is planned at 10:30 AM. Security has been tightened statewide to maintain order amid this clash of regional pride and policy.