Karnataka Bandh on March 22: What will happen to exams as Bengaluru and other cities brace for a 12-hour shutdown tomorrow?

Karnataka is gearing up for a statewide bandh on March 22, organised by Pro-Kannada groups from 6 am to 6 pm. While the bandh aims to make a strong statement, it has left students, commuters, and businesses worried about its impact.

What Does the Bandh Mean for Students?

Schools affiliated with the Council of Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) are particularly concerned, as a Class 12 ISC home science exam is scheduled for the same day. Though there is no SSLC exam on Saturday, the afternoon ISC exam has created anxiety among students and parents.

Robert Khin from Bethany High School told TOI that they have 18 students appearing for the exam. While parents have promised to bring their children to the exam centres, there is a concern that the government might close schools if the law and order situation worsens. The Karnataka State ICSE Schools Association has assured that there is likely to be no change in the exam schedule.

Why Is the Bandh Happening?

The bandh is being organised by Kannada Okkoota in response to an alleged attack on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi. The conductor was reportedly assaulted by pro-Marathi groups for not speaking in Marathi, adding fuel to the ongoing language tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The organisers have made several demands, such as:

• A ban on Marathi groups like Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Karnataka.
• Protection for the Kannada-speaking population, especially in border areas.
• Opposition to dividing Bengaluru into multiple administrative zones, fearing it could harm Kannada culture.

A Long-Standing Dispute

The clash over language isn't new. It dates back to the formation of Maharashtra in 1960, with Maharashtra claiming around 865 villages, including Belagavi, Karwar, and Nippani. Karnataka has consistently rejected these claims, leading to continued tensions.

Impact on Daily Life in Bengaluru

Bengaluru is likely to experience disruptions during the bandh. Public transport services like KSRTC and BMTC may be affected, although there is no official confirmation of a complete shutdown. Ola, Uber, and auto-rickshaw services may also be limited, as their unions have expressed support for the bandh.

Hotels and the film industry have shown solidarity with the protest, but it's unclear how their operations will be affected.

Inputs from agencies