Karnataka bandh on August 13 goes ahead despite splits among Kannada groups

The Story in Brief

Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj says the August 13 Karnataka bandh against the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu will proceed as planned, despite divisions among pro-Kannada groups. Nagaraj claims over 2,000 organisations support the shutdown, but other outfits have distanced themselves, offering only moral support. The Bangalore Hotels Association, initially supportive, later urged a withdrawal of the bandh call, citing rainfall and court guidelines.

The bandh follows a Cauvery Water Management Authority order for Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, which Karnataka initially resisted citing poor storage. Meanwhile, Nagaraj was detained after a protest near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border against Tamil Nadu's opposition to the Mekedatu project. Transport corporations and private bus associations have not backed the bandh, though some farmers' groups have extended support.