BJP-sponsored bandh paralyses normal life in Karnataka

BJP-sponsored bandh paralyses normal life in Karnataka

BS Reporter / Bangalore January 23, 2011, 0:16 IST

Normal life in Karnataka came to a standstill today in response to the state-wide bandh call given by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to protest against governor H R Bharadwaj’s approval of chief minister B S Yeddyurappa’s prosecution.

The governor yesterday had sanctioned the prosecution of Yeddyurappa for his alleged role in corruption and criminal misconduct. Practically all vehicles — public and private — went off the road, commercial establishments, shopping malls, business establishments downed shutters and schools and colleges, government offices and banks remained closed across the state.

The bandh turned violent across many parts in the state as BJP supporters took out rallies and pelted stones at several places in Bangalore, Hubli, Belgaum and Gulbarga. Supporters of BJP burnt tyres and closed down shutters of shops and commercial establishments. While the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation withdrew its services, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation did likewise after several buses were set on fire in Bangalore city by the angry supporters. With various autorickshaw and taxi drivers' unions going off the roads, no public transport was available in the country’s tech hub.

The miscreants set on fire 29 buses in Bangalore, Hassan, Tumkur and Davanagere district. Jayanagar, Electronics City and K R Puram were among the worst hit areas in Bangalore.

Although train services were normal in most parts of the state, the protesters stopped trains in Haveri in north Karnataka. Those who arrived at railway stations and the airport had to face a harrowing time as they had no means of transport to reach their destinations. The absence of public transport severely affected people with health problems as they were unable to reach hospitals.

Yeddyurappa’s supporters took to the streets on Saturday morning across the state protesting Bharadwaj’s decision. Reports of violence were reported from various places including Bangalore, Mysore and Belgaum.

BJP held protests all over the state denouncing the action and demanded recall of the governor. The bandh, described by BJP as “self-initiated” and “voluntary”, was “near total” and marked by stray violent incidents, according to reports.

Stone pelting on shops and buses were reported from places such as Belgaum, Gulbarga, Shimoga and Bangalore. In Bangalore, Police have clamped prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons at a place for two days. Around 18,000 police personnel were on duty in the city, the police sources said.

Meanwhile, senior BJP leaders have decided to meet President Pratibha Patil on Monday seeking recall of the governor for his biased behaviour against Yeddyurappa. 

A ministerial delegation, led by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar, today met the Governor at Raj Bhavan and sought a copy of the order sanctioning prosecution.