Near-Total Shutdown in Hubballi-Dharwad as Protest Gains Momentum

Hubballi: The 12-hour Hubballi-Dharwad bandh called by various Dalit organizations to protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar received a strong response in Hubballi.

Business establishments in both the southern and northern parts of Hubballi remained closed. Road Transport Corporation (RTC) and private city buses stayed off the roads, while only a few auto-rickshaws operated, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. In some areas, petrol bunks opened for limited hours, while many remained shut.

While a few bank branches conducted business, several others stayed closed. Most schools were shut, with only a handful of private institutions functioning. Hotels in the central business district and extension areas also remained closed, further adding to the bandh’s impact.

Protests were staged across major roads, with Dalit organizations blocking traffic. Activists compelled open establishments to close. City-bound buses were forced to halt operations on the city’s outskirts, leaving passengers reliant on auto-rickshaws to reach their destinations.

A massive gathering and protest rally were held at Rani Chennamma Circle, where activists raised slogans against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding his immediate resignation over his remarks. The Congress party extended its support to the bandh, which resulted in a near-total shutdown of the city.