Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Sep 26: There has been lukewarm response for the dawn to dusk bandh called by pro-Kannada organizations with the demand of the implementation of the Kalasa Banduri and Mekedatu projects on Saturday, September 26.
Though more than 1,000 associations in the state including labour unions and other organizations have pledged support for the bandh, no major association in coastal Karnataka has supported the bandh. While the employees of all government owned road transport corporations supported the bandh, there has been no news from employee association in Dakshina Kannada or Udupi pledging support for the state-wide bandh.
Canara bus owners association has said that they will not support the bandh and buses will ply as usual.
“We have concern for the farmers. But we will not support the agitation.” said Canara bus owners’ association general secretary Bhaskar Salian. V K Puthran from Dakshina Kannada bus owners association voiced the same opinion.
Even pro-Kannada associations have not come out with support of the bandh. “We will support the agitation for the implementation of the Kalasa Banduri project. But we do not support the September 26 bandh.” said Madusoodhan Gowda, the Kannada Rakshana Vedike (Narayana Gowda faction) district vice president.
Drivers of cabs and auto rickshaws have decided not to participate in the bandh.
Schools have not declared holiday in the twin districts. Children could be seen going to schools.
CITU leader Vasantha Achary said that they neither support nor oppose the bandh. “CITU will remain neutral.” he said.
Vehicles are seen on the roads as usual from Saturday morning.