Divya Delhi: Kannada Okkuta, an umbrella organization of pro-Kannada parties, has called for a Bandh (statewide stoppage) on March 22 to protest the alleged assault on a state-run bus conductor in Belagavi last month for not understanding Marathi. The shutdown is expected to impact Karnataka's public transportation, schools, and businesses. Since lakhs of kids are preparing for the SSLC (Class 10) examinations starting on March 21, the state government would not support the closure. Since some pro-Kannada organizations support the shutdown, Bengaluru's public transport and services may be partially shut down. Many Bengaluru schools have declared a holiday before the Karnataka Bandh as a precaution. Some BMTC and KSRTC buses may be pulled off the road due to the stoppage. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said Thursday that the state government would not support a bandh and would speak to pro-Kannada groups that had called for a statewide shutdown on March 22 to convince them it is not the "right approach". Shivakumar was responding to Legislative Council Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy about the March 22 Karnataka bandh, which could affect lakhs of SSLC (Class 10) students taking exams. “The bandh is unnecessary now. The organizations should have informed the government. It impacts students. On World Water Day, March 22, the government will commence a month-long water conservation campaign with the Cauvery aarti "Shivakumar announced. He told reporters, “We don’t encourage a bandh. No political or group-organized bandh is supported by the courts." He added, "We will make them (the organizations) understand that it is not the right course of action, as it will impact students whose exams have already begun." “I asked officials to address Kannada organizations. Organizations cannot make their own laws. Our officers will hear my statement." Kannada Okkuta leader and activist Vatal Nagaraj said the statewide bandh will receive widespread support, although some organizations may not participate.