Karnataka bandh updates: Metro resumes operation in Bengaluru, life limps back to normal as 12-hour deadline nears end

Karnataka Congress president says Amit Shah lied about RSS workers killing in rally

As @AmitShah has lied once again, a complaint will be filed against him for misleading the people of Karnataka. @BJP4India is intent on spreading lies.#BariOluBJP#BJPUgraAgenda https://t.co/9DTXopUfep

— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) January 25, 2018

Goa sets up 4 member panel to monitor water diversion from Mahadayi

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The Goa government has set up a committee to monitor any activity in Maharashtra or Karnataka to divert the Mahadayi river water amidst a growing dispute over resource sharing between the two states.

The committee will comprise four officers from the state water resources department and jas orders to report any construction activity envisaged or started by Karnataka or Maharashtra in the Mahadayi basin. 

The riparian states of the Mahadayi (known as Mandovi in Goa), have been locked in a bitter battle over the sharing of the water of the river, which originates in Belagavi in Karnataka. The matter is pending before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal.

PTI

These youngsters from city colleges in Mysore were not sure why they were attending a Amit Shah rally and when asked who would they be supporting in this year’s elections, they said they did not know as they had not voted before.

Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters

Karnataka schools, colleges to compensate for academic loss in Feb

“Schools, colleges that will be remain closed due to bandh, called by pro-Kannada groups and farmers to demand a solution to the Mahadayi water sharing dispute, will have to compensate by working full day on 3 or 10 February, both Saturdays,”  The Statesman  reported. 

The report further said that the administration has said that if the schools or colleges are not able to compensate for the loss of studies, they may remain open on subsequent Sundays too, since exams are closing in.

Protests in Bijapur in Karnataka over Mahadayi river dispute

Around 25 people gathered at Gandhi Chowk in Bijapur on Thursday as part of the state-wide bandh called by several pro-Kannada outfits, demanding the Centre’s intervention in the inter-state Mahadayi river water dispute with Goa. The protesters were taken to the police station and later released.

Input by Tamanna Naseer from Bijapur, 101Reporters

Karnataka opens up Mahadayi tributary, flow yet to resume towards Goa

Amid a raging resource-sharing dispute between Maharashtra and Goa,  The Times of India reported that Karnataka, which had earlier blocked the water from a tributary of Mahadayi river to flow into Goa, has now removed the mud embankment. 

Goa had taken objection to the news reports revealing that Karnataka had resumed work on the Kalsa canal in Kankumbi despite a Supreme Court order, in which the court had ordered Karnataka to stop the work on the construction of the canal, which was aimed at diverting water from the Mahadayi tributary.

Karnataka shutdown hits India’s tech hub: IT giants suspend operations 

According to a report in  The News Minute , IT majors Infosys, Wipro and other multinational firms had to suspend their operations for the day, in view of the Karnataka Bandh. 

“Localities like Whitefield, a suburb in the northeastern part of the city, and Manyata Tech Park in the northern part, housing several global IT giants like Microsoft, IBM and Cognizant, have also suspended their operations for the day,” the report read.

Siddaramaiah writes to PM Modi to confer the title of ‘Bharat Ratna’ on Sri Sri Sri Sivakumara Swamigalu

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to confer the title of 'Bharat Ratna' to Sri Sri Sri Sivakumara Swamigalu (file pics) pic.twitter.com/VYo0mc032U

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

Meanwhile… few women in the crowd claim they were brought from Kumarkopa by BJP workers to sit in crowd

Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters

Amit Shah concludes rally with chants of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’

Amit Shah’s speech was the usual mix of praise for Narendra Modi, an appeal to uproot the Siddaramaiah government, and vote for the BJP. 

In his speech that lasted a little over 30 miutes, Shah said that the Siddaramaiah government was afraid of giving the people of Karnataka benefits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s schemes. He told the people to vote for BJP to get the full benefits of the work done by the central government. He also raised the issue of the political killings in Karnataka. He said the next BJP government will bring the killers of BJP, RSS workers to justice.

Amit Shah talks about triple talaq bill in Mysuru

Congress party opposed the #TripleTalaq bill due to politics of appeasement but I want to assure Muslim sisters and mothers that BJP and PM @narendramodi are committed to passing this bill to do justice to them : Shri @AmitShah #ShahInMysuru pic.twitter.com/GTskrSVSCJ

— BJP (@BJP4India) January 25, 2018

Amit Shah repeats his Chitradurga speech

Amit Shah repeats the speech he made in Chritradurga where he made a two point allegation against Congress and accused them of being corrupt and irresponsible.

Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters

Corruption is equal to Siddaramaiah, says Shah

“Siddaramaiah is equal to corruption and corruption is equal to Siddaramaiah. Do anyone of you here have a watch worth Rs 70 lakh on your wrist here? Your chief minister wears watches worth Rs 70 lakh,” says Amit Shah.

Siddaramaiah government non responsive in probing killings of BJP workers

Amit Shah touched upon the issues that have been a point of struggle all this while between the two parties. “The Siddaramaiah government has been non responsive to the killings of 22 workers of the BJP and the RSS in the state. This is complete failure on their part,” he said

Amit Shah congratulates Yeddyurappa on successfully organising Parivartane Yatre

“Starting from 2 November, the Parivartan Yatra has travelled across 224 constituencies covering 8000 kilometres so far. So, I congratulate Yedyyurappa because no one has organised such a massive campaign for the movement in Karnataka ever.”

Congress wants to disrupt Modi’s rally too, says Shah

“The Parivartan Yatra that started from Bangalore on 4 November and will end in Bangalore on 4 February has instilled fear in the hearts of the Congress workers. I challenge the chief minister of this state that use all your might, but you won’t be able to stop the BJP from forming government in Karnataka”

Congress hasn’t forgotten its Emergency mindset, says Shah

“Congress today behaved like it did during emergency by deploying police to hold off supporters, clamping down on transport services and by organising this bandh,” say Amit Shah

Input by  Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters

Amit Shah is speaking in the rally 

“Despite desperate attempt to disrupt the rally, we have managed to hold it and been successful at it,” says Amit Shah.

Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101 Reporters

WATCH: Amit Shah speaking at the Parivartana rally in Mysuru

BJP walking into a trap on Mahadayi issue

‘Knowingly or unknowingly the BJP, which is at the receiving end of the agitating people in Karnataka, has walked into a trap by terming Mahadayi water sharing row a “north Karnataka issue.” says an opinion piece by News18’s DP Satish.

BJP National president Amit Shah has reached the Mysuru ground

Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101 Reporters

Crowd seems to becoming impatient

Senior BJP leaders are persistently asking crowds to not leave the grounds till the program is over.

Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters

BJP leaders slam Congress for calling bandh

Senior BJP leaders accuse Siddaramaiah government of misusing government machinery to come in way of their campaigning and declaring a bandh on days when their senior leaders are visiting.

Nivedita, 101 Reporters

BJP leader R Ashok alleges Congress govt not allowing buses to ply 

R Ashok, former deputy chief minister says that he got calls from many state depot managers who alleged that they had been asked to not run buses on Thursday and to send drivers home. “This is how low Siddaramaiah has fallen. But the people have turned up to show that they don’t want Siddaramaiah as chief minister anymore…”

Nivedita, 101 Reporters

Amit Shah to reach shortly 

Nearly 12-14,000 people gather at Maharaja College Grounds in Mysuru, where BJP national president Amit Shah is set to speak in sometime. Meanwhile, former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa reaches  Maharaja College Grounds.

Nivedita, 101 Reporters

BJP president Amit Shah will be holding a rally in Mysuru today

BJP National President Shri @AmitShah will address Parivartana Yatre today at 2:30 pm in Mysore, Karnataka. Watch LIVE at https://t.co/vpP0MI6iTu pic.twitter.com/XZVb794ocx

— BJP (@BJP4India) January 25, 2018

Taj group adds Karnataka state flag amid other flags, tweets senior journalist 

#KarnatakaBandh the mighty Taj group adds in a Kannada flag amid its other flags.. Just.. To be on the safe side @CNNnews18 pic.twitter.com/USjCcpN0IH

— Deepa Balakrishnan (@deepab18) January 25, 2018

Chikkamagalur MLA CT Ravi says bandh not in interest of the state

On the occasion of Siddaramaiah sponsored #KarnatakaBandh I humbly appeal to my fellow Kannadigas to maintain peace & harmony. Please realize that this Bandh is not called in the interests of the State but only to stop @BJP4Karnataka's march to remove a Tughlaq from power.

— C T Ravi 🇮🇳 ಸಿ ಟಿ ರವಿ (@CTRavi_BJP) January 25, 2018

Low response to bandh in Bagalkot 

The Hindu reports that there was a low response to the bandh in Bagalkot district, except in Badami taluk. In Bagalkot city, it was business as usual and education institutions were open.

WATCH: Pro-Kannada outfits protest outside townhall in Bengaluru

#KarnatakaBandh -- Pro-Kannada outfits protest outside townhall in Bengaluru.

Catch all the #LIVE updates here: https://t.co/yW7KQ6IHFL pic.twitter.com/0XAVG3zDPI

— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 25, 2018

RECAP: Goa CM skips Mahadayi river dispute awareness programme

On 22 January, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and majority of MLAs today skipped an event organised by the state secretariat to create awareness about the Mahadayi river water sharing dispute. The programme was organised at the secretariat in Porvorim, which was attended by only six out of the total 40 MLAs, reported PTI.

Goa suspends bus services to Karnataka

The Goa government-run Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) has suspended its bus services to Karnataka on Thursday owing to the bandh called in the neighbouring state over the Mahadayi River water dispute, News18 reported. In another development, the Goa government has set up a four-member committee to monitor any possible activity in Maharashtra or Karnataka to divert the river water. Several pro-Kannada outfits have called for the statewide dawn-to-dusk bandh today in Karnataka, demanding the prime minister’s intervention in the inter-state Mahadayi river water dispute with Goa.

Video: Protest and sloganeering continues in Karnataka

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Ayswarya Murthy, 101 Reporters

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Protesters move to Freedom Park

The protest convoy sets off for Freedom Park. They are expected to meet state government officials today to press upon them the need to resolve the Mahadayi issue immediately.

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Goa govt should share Mahadayi like we share Cauvery with Tamil Nadu, say activists

“We have gathered here to fight for the people of Uttara Karnataka who should get Mahadayi water. Goa government says tourism will be affected if they give water to us. Let them understand that farmers are suffering here and they need drinking water. Like we give Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, let the Goa government agree to give us water,” Gurupreet, one of the Karunada Sevakaru group members told Firstpost. 

Ayswarya Murthy, 101Reporters

The procession convoy starts its 2 km journey with Vatal Nagaraj at the thick of it 

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Prakash Raj in a video says ‘We have right over water that flows past Kalasa Banduri’

“On the Mahadayi water dispute issue, first of all, all the political parties must stop politicising it. We  have a right over the water that flows past Kalasa Banduri… In a democracy, once a political party comes to power, it is no longer just a political party, but a party that is duty-bound to work for the people it represents… Any party that keeps saying — our party is ruling at the Centre or in some neighbouring state — so we will bring water on the basis of this, through political means — is telling a blatant lie. This is a pro-people agitation — please don’t do politics over ‘people’s fundamental rights. Let us all be with the people —I’m with the people in this agitation. My request to all parties — please leave your political ideologies aside, put aside these attempts to beg for votes,  we must come together and stand together to put pressure for our rightful share in the water this is not a problem that cannot be solved if we are united — let’s agitate and ensure our rights are given to us.”

ಮಹದಾಯಿ ಹೋರಾಟ...ನನ್ನ ಮನವಿ.... pic.twitter.com/QuPfDjwUbU

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) January 25, 2018

Breaking News: Inter-city bus services will start only after 4.30 pm  

Flybus, KSRTC’s inter-city bus service from Karnataka International Airport to other cities like Mangalore, Madikeri and Salem will start only after 4.30pm.

Bangalore University postpones exams

Bangalore University has postponed the examination for its various UG and PG students, mostly enrolled in distance education courses.

“In view of Karnataka Bundh, I Year / III Year BA / BSc / B Com / BBM (DCC/One Time Measure), II year MA / MCom (DCC), and PG DBA / DHRM / DMM / DHA (Regular/DCC) etc, Examinations of January/February 2018 which are scheduled to be held on 25.01.208 have been RESCHEDULED” The notification also stated that there is no change in the time, venue and other dates of the examinations.

Visvesvaraya Technological University exams rescheduled. Get details here

The Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, Karnataka and Bangalore University have rescheduled the examination that was scheduled to be organized on 25th January 2018 in the wake of Karnataka Bandh over Mahadayi River issue, that is expected to disrupt normal life in the state. 

VTU has postponed the Post Graduate Theory exam for MBA 1st Semester students from 25th January 2018 to 5th February 2018 while keeping the exam time same as before – 2 PM to 5 PM.  “Due to Karnataka Bandh, the PG theory examinations scheduled on 25/01/2018 are postponed to Monday, 05/02/2018. 

The timings will remain unchanged.” read the official circular. The varsity has notified the same on its official website. Candidates who were to appear for VTU Exams can access the same here

BJP party members set up the stage ahead of BJP chief Amit Shah’s arrival

Input: Nivedita/101Reporters

It’s Modi’s duty to get us drinking water: JDS leader

Navalgund MLA and Janata Dal(S) leader NH Konaraddi addressed protesters in Bengaluru outside the Town Hall and said that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s had the authority to ensure that Karnataka gets its drinking water. “Like Deve Gowda  and Indira Gandhi acted during their tenure to find solution to Cauvery crisis, Modi should do the same before coming to Karnataka on 4 February. Amit Shah also should clarify his stand.” 

Input from Ayswarya Murthy, 101Reporters

Protests outside Bengaluru’s Town Hall

Protests in #Bengaluru's town hall during bandh call in Karnataka over Mahadayi water dispute pic.twitter.com/e6UQOAudSx

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation suspends services

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation has suspended its services after activists stopped buses at the main Majestic bus station and off loaded passengers around 7.30-8 am. “We will monitor the situation on an hourly basis and see if they can resume services,” BMTC official said. 

#Visuals from Bengaluru: Bus services suspended after state-wide bandh called in #Karnataka over Mahadayi water dispute pic.twitter.com/dxTKIOGLWL

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

Namma Metro CPRO tweets:

“We are currently running train on both lines at constant headway of 10 minutes.Depending on the rush will increase the frequency .At 8.00 am few people gathered at Majestic station, but dispersed after intervention by civil police. So far no other incidents reported.”

We are currently running train on both lines at constant headway of 10 minutes.Depending on the rush will increase the frequency .At 8.00 am few people gathered at Majestic station, but dispersed after intervention by civil police. So far no other incidents reported.

— Vasanth Rao (@uavasanthrao) January 25, 2018

Multiplexes shut, hospitals function in Bengaluru

While the film industry and multiplexes have decided to remain shut, hospitals are expected to function normally, with Indian Medical Association office bearers stating that they will be extending moral support by wearing a black band, reports said.

Metro trains run under tight security as police staff guard MG road metro station

Input from Elizabeth Mani, 101Reporters

Travellers stranded at bus stand

Two engineering professionals — Prasad, 24 from Goa and Joe, 23 from Bengaluru — had to go to Trichy for a presentation but have been stranded at the Shanti Nagar bus stand since morning. They don’t know what the bandh is about but desperately want to reach Trichi for work. They said they are trying to book a train, but there are no options available before 6.30 pm.

Input from Elizabeth Mani, 101Reporters

Bandh effective mostly in Bengaluru, Mysuru

The bandh is effective mostly in Bengaluru and Mysuru. Reports from north Karnataka districts of Hubbali, Dharwad, Belgavi, Bidar and Bijapur suggest an ineffective bandh in these regions, as businesses remain open and daily affairs go on normally.

Input from Suneet, Team101Reporters

Leaders from different organisations taking the “stage”

Manchegowda from the Sarkari Naukar Sangata addressed the crowd from atop a lorry. Leaders from different organisations are taking the “stage” to emphasise the inclusive nature of the protests. These organisations include farmer, Dalit, professional, and labour associations.

Input by Ayswarya Murthy, Bengaluru, Team101Reporters

Colleges and universities shut in Mysuru

All colleges and universities in Mysuru remain shut. Students said that they were informed only after arriving at the college in the morning that it was a holiday.

Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar, Mysore, 101Reporters

BJP workers start arriving at Maharaja College Grounds

With about two hours to go before BJP president Amit Shah speaks, BJP workers have started arriving at the Maharaja College Grounds, but the halls remain devoid of attendees.

Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters

Commuters face difficulty as buses stop plying; rickshaws asking for thrice the normal far

30-year-old Nirmala, a passenger from K R Puram in Bangalore had booked a ticket for Kerala to attend a wedding on Thursday. Once she reached Shanti Nagar bus station with her family, they got to know buses aren’t running. Her husband was trying to cancel the tickets and Ruth says they have decided to wait at the bus stop until evening with their two children, since the autos were asking thrice the normal fare citing the bandh.

Input from Elizabeth Mani, 101Reporters

Activists rough up Goa water minister’s effigy

Activists outside Town Hall in Bengaluru roughed up an effigy of the Goa water minister Vinod Paliencar. The protests across the state and the bandh is held over sharing Mahadayi water between Karnataka and Goa. 

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Pro-Kannada outfits start joining bandh

Several pro-Kannada organisations have started arriving in Bengaluru to lend support to the statewide bandh. Everyone wearing Karnataka colours it is difficult to differentiate between them except when they carry their banners. It’s just a uniform sea of red and yellow.

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

At least 4-5 different farmers’ and pro-kannada groups are at the Town Hall. More are expected to arrive

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Town Hall, which was peaceful till 9 this morning, is bustling with protesters who are raising slogans over Mahadayi river water sharing row

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Banks in Mysuru declare holiday

Most banks in Mysuru, including SBI and Mysore Merchants co-op bank limited, have declared holiday in view of the bandh. 

Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters

Pro-Kannada activists burn a tyre near Majestic in Bengaluru

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Pro-Kannada activists burnt tyres near Majestic in Bengaluru while raising slogans demanding Union government’s interference in resolving the Mahadayi water dispute with Goa.

Input from Mahesh Bacham, 101Reporters

Pro-Kannada outfits come out in trucks to support 25 January bandh

#KarnatakaBandh -- Pro-Kannada outfits coming out in trucks to protest over Mahadayi water dispute. Normal life is partially affected; schools are shut, Wipro and Infosys have declared a holiday for its employees.

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/yW7KQ6IHFL pic.twitter.com/M9kfEEBONZ

— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 25, 2018

Support bandh but facing problems without customers, says auto driver in Bengaluru

“While we support the bandh, we are facing problems without customers since morning. Ours (auto drivers’) is a difficult live. I am driving a rented auto and I have to pay dues.” Syed Aslam, an auto driver in Bengaluru. 

Input by Mahesh Bacham, 101Reporters

Central government not thinking of Karnataka’s interests, says KRV leader

Manjula Jayaraj Naidu, KRV’s District president for Nelemangala, says the central government does not have Karnataka’s interests at heart and is instead with Goa.

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Cauvery songs being played in protests

The loudspeakers have arrived at town hall, blasting a song that is, curiously, about Cauvery. Karnataka has had a long-standing dispute with Tamil Nadu over sharing of the Cauvery river water. 

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Slogans raised against the Mahadayi ‘injustice’ at Town Hall

“We do not wish to disturb police or anyone in the city. Blaming the state government is not right. If Centre takes a decision, why will Karnataka not act?
Let Modi government resolve the issue (by mediating between the two states).”

Video courtesy: Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Inter-state bus services affected by Karnataka bandh

KSRTC control room informs that bus service to destinations outside Karnataka, like Goa and Chennai, will not be available till 4.30pm due to the bandh.

Input from Suneet, 101 Reporters

Women members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike to join protests

Officer bearers of the women’s wing of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike arrive at town hall from a protest at Nelemangala. They say hundreds of their women members are expected to join the protests on Thursday.

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Situation peaceful in Mysuru

Calm prevails in Mysuru where BJP National President Amit Shah will deliver speech at the BJP’s Parivartan rally on Thursday. Traffic policemen patrol the city after KRV members passed by shouting slogans demanding implementation of Kalasa Banduri.

Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters

WATCH: Protest held in Attibelle in Karnataka over Mahadayi water dispute

#WATCH: Protest held in #Attibelle during bandh in Karnataka over Mahadayi water dispute pic.twitter.com/q3WSgtx5Xt

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

No effect of bandh in Kalburgi

No effect of #KarnatakaBandh yet in Kalaburagi; bandh has been called over Mahadayi water dispute pic.twitter.com/Ulpw1LgL9A

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

Vendors at KR Market try to get some business done before the bandh intensifies

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Situation normal in Bengaluru

Bengaluru police commissioner office says situation “normal across the city” at 10.00am, adding that no reports of violence breaking out has emerged so far. 

Suneet, 101 Reporters

Shopkeeper keeps shop open till pro-Kannada groups come to force shutters down

Siddique Basha, 31, says the cadres of Karnataka Rakshana Vedhike will come soon to shut things down and till then they will keep the shops open. A small squad of police deployed near the area say they will ensure peace but will not interfere with the forced closures.

Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Vatal Nagaraj urges activists to hold peaceful protests in state

Vatal Nagaraj, head of Kannada Okoota, an umbrella organisation of Kannada bodies, who is organising the protest in Karnataka, directed his followers to hold peaceful rallies. 

People lock themselves inside shops fearing protesters

Protesters force people to shut their shops at Ananda Rao Circe road. Some people locked themselves inside the shops fearing protesters.

Input by Mahesh Bacham, 101Reporters

Modi should ask Goa govt to give water to our farmers: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike

Jayaprakash C,  Karnataka Rakshana Vedike says this is for the Central government to intervene in the Kalasa Banduri issue. He said, “Modi should ask Goa government to give water to the our farmers.”

Input by Nivedita/101 reporters

10,000 cops in Mysuru to ensure law and order doesn’t deteriorate

“In light of the state wide bandh and Amit Shah’s visit, we have been asked to maintain peace and ensure things don’t go out of hand. At, least 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across Mysuru. No un-toward incident reported yet,” said B Basavaraju, sub-inspector, Mandi police station, Mysore city.

Input by Nivedita Niranjankumar, 101Reporters

Not a single shop open along pivotal NR Road between the Town Hall and KR market

Input: Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

If Goa govt can let 98 tmc ft Mahadayi water in the sea, why can’t they let us have some of it, asks film producer Govindu

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, film producer Sa Ra Govindu said, “This is a 30-year-long battle. All we demand is 7.5 tmc ft water from the Goa government. If they can let 98 tmc ft of water  to sea, why can’t they let some amount of drinking water to us? What is the Prime Minister doing? What are our legislators doing here? Do they care about farmers’ issue? Let the Prime Minister mediate and resolve this. Let him make his stand clear.”

Input by: Mahesh Bacham, 101Reporters.

Snatch keys of vehicles plying on roads: Activists tell protesters

Film producer and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Sa Ra Govindu leads protest in Bengaluru. One of his followers is seen instructing a protester to snatch the key of any vehicle seen plying on roads. 

Input by Mahesh Bacham/101Reporters

Support bandh, pro-Kannada activists urge commuters

Pro-Kannada activists urged commuters on Thursday to support the 12-hour bandh in the state. One of the members tried to snatch the key  from an auto driver which led to a scuffle near Bangalore Raliway Station. 

Input by Mahesh Bacham/101Reporters

Stay off Bengaluru roads, Vatal Nagaraj’s Kannada Okoota tells cab drivers

Activist belonging to Kannada Okoota organisation, which called the 12-hour bandh in the state, demanded cab drivers to stay off road in Bengaluru. 

Input by: Mahesh Bacham/101Reporters

30 KSPP and 30 RPFpersonnel deployed in Mysuru ahead of Amit Shah’s Parivartan Rally

With BJP chief Amit Shah set to speak in Mysuru amid the 12-hour bandh, 30 Karnataka state police personnel and 30 Railway Protection Forces personnel have been deployed for security at the Mysore railway station.

Nivedita/101Reporters

500 cops deployed just outside Town Hall: Venue expected to be epicentre for protest

Sub inspector Santhosh PG tells Firstpost that over 500 police officers have been deployed just at Town Hall in Bengaluru, which is expected to be one of the epicenters of the protest. A procession is expected to be flagged off here and will end in Freedom Park which is two kilometres away.

 Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

State transport bus services to run as usual

State transport buses are expected to run as usual, but private vehicles may stay off the road. The Bengaluru Metro is also expected to function normally. “If, and only if, there is a hindrance to the safety of the passengers, we will inform the police and stop services,” a Namma Metro spokesperson told NDTV.

However, social media was abuzz with reports saying buses between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are not running as usual, even though there was no official word on it.

Ensure Karnataka Bandh is peaceful: Ramalinga Reddy

Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy asked the protesting groups to ensure that the Karnataka Bandh is peaceful without any destruction of property or inconvenience to public. “The bandh has been called keeping the state’s interest in mind. Directions have been issued to police in all 30 districts to maintain law and order,” Reddy was quoted as saying by Deccan Herald.  

“Many organisations, including the association of government employees, will participate in the bandh. All those, who feel injustice has been done to Karnataka, are taking part,” he said.

Protests expected to begin at 9 am in Bengaluru

At the Town Hall on JC Road in Bengaluru, police authorities prepare for possible protestors. Some are expected to arrive at 9 am.

 Ayswarya Murthy/101Reporters

Accenture and Wipro declare holiday: Unusual calm in Bengaluru

Unusual calm prevails on the streets of Bengaluru. While some of the IT companies, including Accenture and Wipro, have declared holiday, many companies have asked employees to work-from-home.

Petrol pumps and hotels are open. 

Image by Pranav Prakash/101 reporters

Visuals of the bandh from Hubli

Karnataka bandh call over Mahadayi water dispute: Visuals of protest from Hubli. (earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/N7HtjEHAIu

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

Wipro declares holiday in Karnataka today

On account of the shutdown called by various organizations, as a precautionary measure, Wipro Limited has declared holiday for employees in Karnataka today. Business Continuity Plans have been invoked to avoid disruption to mission critical project: Wipro statement

On account of the shutdown called by various organizations, as a precautionary measure, Wipro Limited has declared holiday for employees in Karnataka today. Business Continuity Plans have been invoked to avoid disruption to mission critical project: Wipro statement pic.twitter.com/xC1OvdPtpX

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2018

Is the water dispute likely to be resolved soon?

The Mahadayi River Water Tribunal is expected to hear the final arguments in the matter in February. According to a report in The Indian Express , the final hearing is expected to take place from 6 February to 22 February.

Tensions between Goa and Karnataka may escalate, here’s why

In December, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar wrote a letter to former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa saying that the state was willing to share water from the river for drinking purposes. On 3 January, he also said that sharing of the Mahadayi river with Karnataka is ‘inevitable.’

“One has to understand that 52 kilometres of the river runs through Goa, 35 kilometres through Karnataka and 16 kilometres through Maharashtra. As such, sharing of water of the Mahadayi river is inevitable as it is passing through all the three states,” he had said.

His statement promptly met with sharp reactions from the Shiv Sena and the Congress. The Sena said it expected Parrikar to “fight like a real son of the soil” against all the attempts to share even a drop of water from the Mahadayi river. His letter to Yeddyurappa was termed as an electoral gambit by the ruling Congress in poll-bound Karnataka. The Hindu points out that the issue has become a heated topic in Karnataka, as there is public anger over non-implementation of the project to divert water to the Malaprabha river.

Read the full report here

What is at the heart of the Mahadayi dispute?

Karnataka, which has locked horns with neighbouring Goa  on sharing Mahadayi River water, is seeking release of 7.56  tmcft water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project. In Goa, the same river is called Mandovi. The project is being undertaken to improve drinking  water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and  districts of Belagavi and Gadag.

Siddaramaiah distances himself from bandh

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Rejecting BJP’s charges that the bandh were instigated by the ruling Congress,Siddaramaiah has termed it as baseless, PTI reported. Stating that neither Congress, nor the government,has  anything to do with the bandh, he had earlier asked BJP to request Kannada organisations against organising the bandh.

Bus services in parts of North Karnataka likely to be affected

The bandh has been supported by a few taxi and auto-drivers’ union. However, reports said that app-based cabs will run in Bengaluru. 

Most public transport services, however, will function without hindrance on Thursday in most parts of Karnataka, reports said. However, KSRTC Employee Federation , said, “The drivers of North West Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses have decided to support the bandh. Bus services in parts of North Karnataka are likely to be hit.”

Vatal Nagaraj called for the 12-hour bandh

A 12-hour bandh, from 6 am to 6 pm, has been called by veteran activist and former MLA Vatal Nagaraj-led ‘Kannada Okkuta’ and other fringe outfits. The bandh is said to also be supported by few taxi and auto-drivers’ union.

When Rahul visits Karnataka, will call for bandh only in those districts that he is visiting

Rahul Gandhi will kick start his campaign for the coming Assembly polls on 10 February. During his three-day visit, the first after being made All India Congress Committee chief, he will address a mega conference and conduct a road show.

Stating that party workers are being informed about the bandh, Yeddyurappa said BJP was not calling for a state-wide bandh, but for a bandh in those districts on the day Rahul Gandhi would visit them. “It is to show to Siddaramaiah who is playing politics, that we also know how to play politics as a national party.It is also with an intention to resolve the Mahadayi river water dispute. We are still ready to put in our efforts towards finding resolution, but it is Siddaramaiah who is causing obstruction to it,” he added.

Why today: BJP asks Congress

The BJP has alleged government’s role in the selection of dates when Shah and Modi are expected to visit the poll bound state to take part in ‘Nava Karnataka Parivartana Yatre’, organised by the state unit. Pro-Kannada outfits have called for a Karnataka bandh today when Shah will address a rally in Mysuru and a Bengaluru bandh on February 4, the day Modi arrives here to address a rally.

“We have decided that when Rahul Gandhi comes to Karnataka,we will call for a complete bandh in those districts he will be visiting,“BJP state President B S Yeddyurappa said.

Postpone or reschedule exams, says deputy commissioner

Deccan Herald quoted the deputy commissioner as saying that educational institutions will function on Thursday, but the DDPI and DDPU have been directed to either postpone or reschedule the exams scheduled for Thursday.

BSY threatens bandh during Rahul’s Karnataka visit

In a tit-for-tat move to the bandh call during BJP President Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits to Karnataka, the party’s state unit today decided to observe district specific shutdown during Congress chief Rahul Gandhi’s state tour.

BJP has termed as “politically motivated” a call for a Karnataka bandh tomorrow and Bengaluru bandh on February 4 by pro-Kannada outfits demanding the Prime Minister’s mediation in the inter-state Mahadayi river water dispute with Goa.

Buses, metro, private cabs likely to run; schools, govt offices to stay shut

The state-wide bandh called by Karnataka organisations and farmers on Thursday is expected to affect life across the state and capital Bengaluru.

Private schools and government offices are expected to remain closed in view of the bandh. Citing safety issues, the Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka said member-schools would remain closed on Thursday.

Since the holiday hinders teachers from covering the syllabus ahead of the upcoming exams, schools will conduct additional classes on Saturday. However, association members also felt that 25 January be most probably be declared a holiday since no one knows what preparations are in place to handle the law and order situation in the city.

Schools, colleges to stay shut in Ballari among other districts on Thursday

Deputy Commissioner Ramprasath Manohar declares that schools and colleges in Ballari district to remain closed tomorrow in the light of Karnataka bandh.

— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018