We will support Bengaluru 'Bandh', says BJP leader CT Ravi

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi announced support for the Bengaluru Bandh protesting Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu. The bandh, called by various groups, will lead to a shutdown in the state capital on Tuesday, September 26.

“Today our state party chief and BS Yediyurappa declared support. We will support it and with it, we’ll also protest in front of the Gandhi statue,” CT Ravi told ANI.

Bengaluru is expected to see a complete shutdown on Tuesday as farmer bodies, Kannada organisations and opposition parties have called for a ‘Bandh’ in the city to protest against the order of Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directing the state to release 5000 cusecs of water to its neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, for 15 days, effective from September 13. Bengaluru Urban District Collector KA Dayanand has announced a public holiday for all schools and colleges in the city in view of the Bandh.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner, B Dayananda said that Section 144 will be imposed in the city under which gatherings of more than five people will not be permitted. Meanwhile, protests have been planned at Freedom Park, Raj Bhawan, Town Hall by pro-Kannada organisations. However, the Police Commissioner alerted that protests would only be allowed in Freedom Park.

Cabs will be plying as usual in the city. Ola Uber Drivers and Owners Association president Tanveer Pasha said that Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Ola and Uber services will be as usual. However, restaurants will remain closed in the city, President Bangalore Hoteliers Association PC Rao said.

“It’s our duty, we are also supporting the Karnataka bandh called tomorrow (by pro-Kannada organisations) as we have not gotten justice for several years,” PC Rao said. Meanwhile, airline Vistara came up with a travel update asking its travellers to plan their rides to and from the airport with caution since private transport might be disrupted.

“Due to the ‘Bengaluru Bandh’ on September 26, 2023, private transport might be disrupted. Customers travelling from Bangalore are advised to allow more time for their journey to the airport,” the airline said in a post on ‘X’. Speaking on the Bandh, BJP leader C T Ravi said, “Today our State Party Chief and BS Yediyurappa declared support. We will support it and with it, we will also protest in front of the Gandhi statue.”

(With ANI inputs)