Karnataka Observes Statewide Bandh Over Assault on KSRTC Conductor

On March 22, 2025, Karnataka witnessed a 12-hour statewide bandh from 6 am to 6 pm. The shutdown was called by pro-Kannada organizations protesting the alleged assault on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi last month. The incident has intensified discussions on linguistic and regional tensions in the state.

Background of the Incident

In February 2025, a KSRTC conductor, Mahadevappa Mallappa Hukkeri, was allegedly assaulted by passengers in Belagavi for not conversing in Marathi. The altercation began when a female passenger spoke to Hukkeri in Marathi, to which he responded that he did not understand the language and requested communication in Kannada. This led to an argument, culminating in a group assaulting the conductor at Balekundri village. Hukkeri sustained minor injuries and was treated at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences. 

Government's Stance

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar addressed the situation, urging citizens to maintain peace and adhere to the law. He expressed that while the government's priority is to protect state interests, he believed there was no necessity for the bandh. Shivakumar emphasized the importance of dialogue over disruptive measures. 

Impact on Daily Life

Public Transport: The bandh significantly affected public transportation. While KSRTC and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) services were officially operational, many buses remained off the roads due to safety concerns. Additionally, several auto-rickshaw and taxi unions extended support to the bandh, leading to limited availability of these services. 

Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges remained open; however, the bandh disrupted the commute for many students. This was particularly concerning for SSLC (Class 10) students scheduled to appear for exams, as transportation challenges posed significant hurdles. 

Businesses and Services: Essential services, including pharmacies, hospitals, and petrol pumps, operated as usual. Most hotels, restaurants, malls, and bars offered moral support to the bandh but continued their operations to avoid inconveniencing the public.

Underlying Issues

The assault on the KSRTC conductor has reignited longstanding linguistic tensions between Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities, especially in border areas like Belagavi. Historically, Belagavi has been a focal point of disputes between Karnataka and Maharashtra, with both states claiming rights over the region based on linguistic demographics. This incident underscores the need for addressing such sensitivities to maintain communal harmony. 

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