Protest, bandh in Gadag and Kalaburagi over Amit Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar

Gadag/Kalaburagi: Protests broke out in Gadag-Betageri and Kalaburagi on Tuesday morning, with Dalit organizations observing a bandh against alleged derogatory remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.

The protesters demanded that Amit Shah apologize to the nation by kneeling before Ambedkar’s statue and called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek his resignation immediately.

Protests Across Gadag:

Various organizations, including Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Basava Dal, Jai Bhim Sena, Bhim Army, and Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, among others, participated in the bandh. Holding Ambedkar’s portraits, protesters gathered at key locations such as Betageri Bus Stand, Gadag New and Old Bus Stations, Mulagund Naka, Hatlagere Naka, and Tippu Circle.

Public transportation in Gadag was severely disrupted. Changes in bus operations left passengers stranded. For instance, buses from Mundaragi and Koppal were diverted to Tonatadarya Engineering College, while buses from Ron and Gajendragad stopped at Betageri Depot.

Similarly, buses from Hubballi and Annigeri terminated at KEB Cross, and those from Lakshmeshwar and Shirahatti ended at Dobhi Ghat.

Public Transport at Standstill in Kalaburagi:

In Kalaburagi, Dalit organizations intensified protests, bringing public transport to a halt. Protesters blocked roads and burned Amit Shah’s effigy near the Central Bus Stand at 8 AM.

Key junctions, including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Circle and Humnabad Circle, witnessed roadblocks by protestors demanding Shah’s removal from the Union Cabinet.

The district administration declared a holiday for schools in response to the bandh. However, colleges and government offices remained open, forcing employees to struggle to reach their workplaces.

Many passengers arriving in Kalaburagi on Monday night were stranded at the bus stand due to the complete suspension of bus services. Protesters continued to block major roads, adding to the chaos.