Two days following the shutdown in Bengaluru on September 26, pro-Kannada groups have announced a statewide strike in Karnataka scheduled for September 29, spanning from 6 am to 6 pm. This strike is organized to oppose the sharing of Cauvery river water with Tamil Nadu.
Prominent pro-Kannada activist and former MLA Vatal Nagaraj has stated that this strike will result in a comprehensive shutdown across the entire state. Furthermore, they are planning a procession, commencing at Town Hall and concluding at Freedom Park in the city. Notably, both the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] have thrown their support behind this cause.
Meanwhile, farmer groups and pro-Kannada activists have issued warnings of blocking major highways within the state. In response to these threats, the Bengaluru city police have implemented Section 144 for a 24-hour period. On September 26, when farmers and other pro-Kannada groups called for a strike on this issue, the response was only partially observed.
To address the disruption caused by the strike, the state government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Bengaluru and Mandya on September 29. Nevertheless, some private educational institutions have opted to conduct online classes during this period.