A Karnataka bandh on March 22 has been called by several pro-Kannada organizations in response to an alleged attack on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus conductor in Belagavi. The 12 hour work stoppage, from 6 am to 6 pm, has been called by Kannada Okkoota, a coalition of Kannada advocacy groups, to protest against the assault that was reportedly carried out by pro-Marathi individuals. The incident has further fueled linguistic tensions in the region.
Organizers are demanding severe punishment to the pro-Marathi groups, especially the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES), which they accuse of inciting violence and disturbing the regional peace. They have called upon the state government to prohibit such organizations.

Belagavi and other border districts of Karnataka are on the edge and the police have already started making arrangements for large force deployment to tackle the law and order issue. The people are advised to plan for some inconveniences and the state is expected to come to a standstill during the bandh.

The traffic is expected to be totally jammed. In support of the shutdown, KSRTC and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) unions have given their blessings to the shutdown and have even expressed fears that there may be no bus services at all. However, to date, there has been no official statement from transport authorities; however, auto-rickshaw unions and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber have indicated that they would participate, which would lead to further problems in travelling.

Students and parents are still concerned about the effects of the strike on the ongoing evaluations, even though the schools have not yet closed. In their show of support, businesses, including restaurants and movie theaters, have provided their support; however, they are planned to operate as usual.

As Karnataka gets ready for the bandh, security arrangements are being increased to avoid any event that may lead to violence, and officials are asking people to be safe and to find out what is happening and make the necessary arrangements.