Life across Karnataka was affected by the 12-hour state-wide bandh called by farmer organisations, Dalit groups and labour unions against the passing of the contentious farm laws. Many pro-Kannada activists also joined the protests in support of the farmers. No incidents of violence were reported as a result of the bandh. Police across the state detained protesters as they attempted to stop the movement of people.
In Bengaluru, areas like Town Hall, City Railway Station and Majestic Bus Stand saw large gatherings of protesters who shouted slogans against the BJP. Activists of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike’s women wing staged a protest at the Kempegowda International Airport before being arrested.
A large rally of protesters, who were part of various groups, marched from Town Hall to Freedom Park via the Mysore Bank Circle in Bengaluru.
A sea of colours marching to recliam democracy, to assert the rights of farmers, workers and all Indians.
— vinaysreenivasa ವಿನಯ (@vinaysreeni) September 28, 2020
Withdraw #FarmBills #labourcodes @narendramodi @BSYBJP
Green, Blue,Red and Yellow !#ಕರ್ನಾಟಕಬಂದ್#ರೈತಮತ್ತುಕಾರ್ಮಿಕರಜೊತೆಗೆ #Withfarmersandworkers#Karnatakabandh pic.twitter.com/41YLcf5dbL
The call for a bandh on Monday comes as farmers urge both the state and union governments to withdraw the “anti-farmer” bills, which according to them, are pro-corporate and against marginal farmers.
In many parts of the state, farmers have blocked state and national highways. Traffic flow in the Outer Ring Road in Bengaluru was also temporarily stopped by protesters.
There was a significant drop in the number of cabs and auto services too, as well as a slight decrease in private vehicle usage. Public transport was also affected to some extent.
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) said that, out of the 2100-odd scheduled departures, 1700 buses had left their respective stations. “Buses will be run depending on current demand”, a BMTC official said.
Protests were held by farmers and pro-Kannada groups in major urban areas of Mysuru and Mangaluru too. Police in Mysuru detained multiple protesters. Many buses going from Mysuru city centre to rural and suburban areas were stopped.
#KarnatakaBandh
— Kiran Parashar (@KiranParashar21) September 28, 2020
Protest in #Mysuru pic.twitter.com/bNeixxWFPu
Similar protests were held in Tumkur, where a joint protest was led by farmer organisations and pro-Kannada outfits.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) said bus services across the state also took a hit with 1000 out of the 1600 scheduled operations plying only till 11 am.
Services were temporarily suspended by the North East Karnataka Road Transport Corporation in Bagalkot in light of the protests.
Amongst districts, town centres of Kodagu, Chikkamagalauru, Hassan and Chamrajanagara in the southern interior of Karnataka wore a deserted look, with many establishments remaining closed. However, bike rallies were conducted by protesters in Shivamogga.
In north Karnataka, protests were held in Hubbali, Dharwad, Haveri and Chitradurga. Farmers in Bellary conducted a bullock cart rally.
Other than Mangaluru and Udupi, coastal Karnataka did not see as many protests as the rest of the state.