Pro-Kannada groups declare Karnataka Bandh on June 12 over farm loan waiver, water issues

Pro-Kannada groups declare Karnataka Bandh on June 12 over farm loan waiver, water issues.
A grouping of pro-Kannada outfits have called for a 12-hour bandh, or shutdown, across Karnataka on Monday, June 12.
They have said they are looking for loan waiver for farmers — an already-burning issue in Madhya Pradesh — and solution to the water problems in the state, including the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in one water project.
The bandh has been called by the Kannada Okoota — an umbrella grouping of pro-Kannada bodies led by Vatal Nagaraj.
These include disputes with neighbouring states over the waters of the Cauvery and Mahadayi rivers, as well as the Mekedatu project over the Cauvery.
The Cauvery issue has the state fighting for the waters of the river with Tamil Nadu.
The Supreme Court has weighed in heavily on it from time to time, with most decisions going against Karnataka.
According to a PTI report, Nagaraj is now planning to "meet the office-bearers of Karnataka Employers Association" on Sunday to "seek their support" for the bandh.
If they join hands, there is every chance that the dawn-to-dusk bandh will be a total success, even as it inconveniences many people.
Water scarcity has also affected the interiors of Karnataka, with several districts considered water-stressed.

Learn More