Residents of Karnataka, especially in the capital city of Bengaluru might be in for more bandhs across the state in the coming few weeks. In what seems to be a repeat of July-August 2016, when the state saw numerous strikes and bandhs over the sharing of Kaveri waters with Tamil Nadu, India’s information technology (IT) capital might end up being victim to three bandhs over the Mahadayi (Mandovi river in Goa) issue.

Kannada Chalavali Vatal Paksha leader and former Chamarajanagara MLA Vatal Nagaraj had earlier called for a state-wide bandh on 25 January over the Mahadayi issue. The reason behind the bandh, however is a political one – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stand on the issue that the riparian states should resolve the matter among themselves.

In order to further reiterate their stand, activists have decided to hold a second bandh – this time restricted to Bengaluru alone – on 4 February when Modi will be in Bengaluru to “draw his attention” over the issue.

Now, Bengalureans might have to brace for a third one, this time by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) between 10 and 12 February when Congress president Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit the city, reports The Times of India. BJP leaders and MP for Dharwad Pralhad Joshi and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar have threatened to hold a bandh during Gandhi’s visit to the southern state that goes to polls in a few months.

BJP President Amit Shah is scheduled to address a rally on 25 February on Mysore. The Congress’ state president Dinesh Gundu Rao has extended his support to the bandh, and has claimed that it was rescheduled from 27 to 25 February at the behest of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Also Read: Will Mahadayi Turn The Tide In Favour Of BJP In Karnataka?

Bangalore bandh

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