Fri Feb 28 16:48:20 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Bandh Call Met with Mixed Response
**Bengaluru, February 28, 2025** – Former MLA and Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj has called for a Karnataka-wide bandh on March 22nd to protest the recent assault of a Kannada-speaking bus conductor in Belagavi. However, the prominent Kannada organization Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has declined to support the call.
Nagaraj condemned the attack and demanded strong action against the perpetrators, including a ban on the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti, the expulsion of Shiv Sena leaders from the state, and the removal of a Sambhaji statue in Belagavi. He urged widespread participation in the bandh and announced a “Belagavi Chalo” protest on March 7th.
In contrast, Arun Javagal of KRV stated that they would not support the bandh. He highlighted KRV’s efforts in Belagavi, which resulted in the withdrawal of a POCSO case filed against the assaulted conductor. The differing stances highlight a division within Kannada advocacy groups regarding the appropriate response to the incident.
First Piper 