With varied Kannada outfits calling for a Karnataka bandh on Thursday (August 13, 2026), extra organisations and associations are anticipated to resolve on extending their assist by Wednesday (August 12) night.
Nonetheless, veteran Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj has mentioned that they’ll positively proceed with the bandh. As a precursor to the occasion, Mr. Nagaraj’s group has additionally referred to as for an indication with “brooms” at Majestic Bus Stand on August 12.
The shutdown, which is anticipated to stay efficient from 6 a.m. to six p.m., may have an effect on public transport and outlets and industrial institutions, whereas faculties and workplaces are anticipated to function as standard. As well as, the bandh is unlikely to have an effect on important companies resembling healthcare, pharmacies and banks.
Whereas Mr. Nagaraj had initially mentioned that the bandh within the State was in protest towards the Cauvery Water Administration Authority’s (CWMA) directive to release water to Tamil Nadu, he clarified on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) that the bandh was additionally supposed to spotlight all main irrigation and improvement points, including the Kalasa-Banduri and Mekedatu projects.
A clearer image of which companies are prone to be disrupted and which of them will operate usually will emerge by August 12 night, as resort associations, cab and autorickshaw unions, and merchants’ associations are anticipated to announce their choices night after conferences with their respective Union members.
Non-public faculties to stay open
In the meantime, personal faculties, together with the Karnataka Related Administration of Faculties (KAMS), have withdrawn their earlier advisory concerning the closure of faculties in reference to the ‘Cauvery Bandh’, citing the lack of educational days.
On the similar time, KAMS expressed its ethical and peaceable assist for the reason for defending Karnataka’s legit pursuits within the Cauvery water dispute. “As a symbolic gesture of solidarity, college administration representatives, instructing employees and non-teaching employees might put on a black ribbon or black strip on the day of the Bandh, with out disrupting educational actions,” mentioned D.Shashikumar, Common Secretary, KAMS.
KAMS has additionally suggested its member faculties to make use of this event as an academic alternative. It mentioned that college students from Courses 5 to 12 could also be supplied with age-appropriate and factual consciousness concerning the historical past and background of the Cauvery water dispute, Karnataka’s dependence on Cauvery water for consuming, agriculture and livelihoods, the difficulties confronted throughout years of deficit rainfall and water shortage, in addition to the explanations behind Karnataka’s considerations.
Symbolic protest
The Karnataka Kavalu Pade which held a gathering in Mysuru with varied Kannada outfits, college students’ organisations, farmers’ leaders and progressive teams have determined towards collaborating inthe bandh. As a substitute KKP President Mohan Kumar Gowda mentioned members of the outfit would stage a symbolic protest at Harding Circle, also called Jayachamarajendra circle, within the metropolis.
“Chief Minister D.Okay. Shivakumar has mentioned that farmers and Kannada activists can relaxation, since his authorities has promised to guard our pursuits. Because the CM has given such an assurance, we are going to lie down for an hour on the Harding Circle, beginning 11 am,” Mr. Gowda mentioned.
Printed – August 12, 2026 01:33 pm IST
