• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Karnataka Bandh: Amid an ongoing language dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra, the pro-Kannada groups have announced a 12-hour shutdown on Saturday against an alleged attack on a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi by Marathi groups. They announced that several residents of Karnataka are under threat by the "outsiders" and are not allowed to speak their language and follow their culture.

While the shutdown on Saturday is expected to affect many public services, including schools, colleges, public transport, and other services, many residents are curious to know whether the banks in Bengaluru will remain opened or closed on Saturday.

Banks To Remain Opened Or Closed In Bengaluru?

Though the authorities have not made any public announcement regarding the operation of banks on March 22 due to the Karnataka bandh, banks are usually closed on the fourth Saturday of every month. The banks in Bengaluru are expected to remain closed on Saturday since March 22 is the fourth Saturday of the month.

ALSO READ: National Horticulture Mission: Govt To Offer Subsidies, Food Processing Units And Training To Farmers In Aligarh

Apart from this, the RBI has also announced March 22 as a bank holiday in Patna due to Bihar Diwas. Banks are usually closed on public holidays and the second and fourth Saturday of every month.

What Is The Reason Behind Karnataka Bandh?

The Kannada groups have announced the strike after a bus conductor was allegedly attacked by pro-Marathi groups in Belagavi for not speaking Marathi on February 22. The incident ignited the old language debate in the region as Belagavi remains one of the few regions of Karnataka where most of the residents speak Marathi.

ALSO READ: Massive Fire Breaks Out At Warehouse In South Goa's Naqueri-Betul | Video

While reacting to the announcements by pro-Kannada groups, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that the groups should have consulted the government before taking such steps.

"The bandh is not needed at this time. Instead of calling for a strike, they should have spoken to the government. It will affect students, and we have also planned to launch a month-long water conservation campaign along with the Cauvery aarti on March 22, which is observed as World Water Day," said Shivakumar.