Mangaluru: Although opposition parties and organizations had urged people to make the Bharat Bandh a success, life in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi was unaffected on Monday, with all shops, restaurants, offices, banks, and educational institutions open as usual.
All buses as well as auto rickshaws and taxis operated across the district normally. However, protests were held at a few places and a highway was blocked at BC Road. Various organisations representing farmers, labourers and other like-minded forums blocked the national highway on Mangaluru – Bengaluru stretch at 10am. Former minister and Congress leader B Ramanath Rai, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha secretary Ravikiran Punacha and DYFI state president Muneer Katipalla took part in the protest. Shramika Sangha, a forum of coolie workers in the city, held a protest at Bunder extending support to the bandh.
All buses as well as auto rickshaws and taxis operated across the district normally. However, protests were held at a few places and a highway was blocked at BC Road. Various organisations representing farmers, labourers and other like-minded forums blocked the national highway on Mangaluru – Bengaluru stretch at 10am. Former minister and Congress leader B Ramanath Rai, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha secretary Ravikiran Punacha and DYFI state president Muneer Katipalla took part in the protest. Shramika Sangha, a forum of coolie workers in the city, held a protest at Bunder extending support to the bandh.
Karnataka Hamali Karmika Federation state president and CITU state secretary K Mahanthesh said the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not shown concern towards the problems of farmers, who are protesting for 10 months. “The BJP government has been trying to suppress the rights of farmers and trying to derail the protests. The new farm laws will help capitalists make agriculture sector their monopoly. This will lead to a food shortage crisis in the nation. People should support the protest of the farmers considering the nation’s interest,” he said.
“By consolidating various labour laws under four categories of codes, the Central government has snatched the rights and social security of the working class in India. There is a need to raise the voice against the anti-people policies of the government,” he added.
Meanwhile, another protest was held near Clock Tower in the city. The Social Democratic Party of India held protests in Puttur, BC Road and Mangaluru.
Meanwhile, another protest was held near Clock Tower in the city. The Social Democratic Party of India held protests in Puttur, BC Road and Mangaluru.
Anganwadi workers in Karnataka decided to support the bandh due to the government’s plans to restructure the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).“The Central government wants to opt for closure of anganwadis in a phased manner. This will lead to an increase in malnutrition among children,” she said. A rally was taken out from Jodukatte towards Martyrs’ Memorial in Ajjarakadu.
