Yediyurappa’s statement came after pro-Kannada groups held a protest in Bengaluru and other parts of the state.
Karnataka’s chief minister, BS Yediyurappa, warned on Saturday that strict measures be taken against pro-Kannada groups, which “forcibly impose a bandh” on the state. He said he would not allow a forced bandh anywhere in the state. Yeddiyurappa’s statement comes as pro-Kannada groups called for a bandh on December 5. Taxi and rickshaw drivers have offered their support to the bandh. The Karnataka Bar Owners Association had also supported the bandh and agreed to close its establishments on December 5.
On Saturday, pro-Kannada groups staged a protest at the Maurya Circle in Bengaluru and in various other parts of the state, demanding that the government withdraw its decision to allocate Rs 50 million for the creation of the Maratha Development Board before 9:00 AM. Basavakalyan and Maski by-elections. .
“I ask all pro-Kannada organizations to come and join the bandh on December 5th. We are requesting the government to withdraw its decision to establish the Maratha Development Board. If the government does this before December 5, we will cancel the bandh, ”said Vatal Nagaraj.
Pro-Kannada protesters led by Vatal Nagaraj burned effigies and shouted slogans against the government’s decision. Police detained protesters in Bengaluru and Gadag. In this context, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa spoke to the media in Vidhana Soudha and said: “I am in favor of Kannada and Kannadigas. I am willing to take any action for your well-being. I will not allow any group to force a bandh anywhere. I have noticed that they have burned effigies and have resorted to disruptive activities. This will not be tolerated, ”said BS Yediyurappa.
The Chief Minister said that the protests could be carried out peacefully, but that he would not allow a bandh to take place. He said the protests were taking a “different color” for reasons other than “the development of Kannadigas.”
“My government is trying to do justice to all groups of people without any discrimination. This bandh is not what they are saying, but it has a different color. So, I ask you to peacefully withdraw your call for a bandh, ”said BS Yediyurappa.
