Karnataka Bandh: Buses, autos plie as usual
Bengaluru: The bandh call given by some pro-Kannada organisations to demand implementation of a report which recommended job reservation to Kannadigas had little effect on normal life in Bengaluru and other parts of the state on Thursday.
Barring a stray incident of stone pelting at a bus in Dakshina Kannada district, the bandh was peaceful in the morning hours.
Buses and autorickshaws plied as usual defying the bandh call given by the 'Karnataka Sangathanegala Okkoota', a consortium of organisations in Karnataka.
The organisers of the bandh are demanding implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi report which recommended that preference be given to natives of Karnataka in Central government and private jobs in the state.
In Bengaluru, city buses plied as usual though most of them ran almost empty as there were very few commuters.
Autorickshaws operated as usual though one of the autorickshaw drivers' associations had supported the bandh.
The main trade area of the city, KR Market and surrounding places had no effect of the bandh in the morning hours.
Pro-Kannada activists were on the city rounds appealing to traders to shut their shops in their support.
In Anekal near Attibele in the city on Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, activists reportedly tried to shut shops and business establishments forcibly.
At Pirangipet in Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district, stones were pelted at a private bus in the morning.
Heavy deployment of policemen has been made at important locations to check untoward incidents.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had appealed to the pro-Kannda organisations to keep their agitation peaceful.
He said his government always stood for Kannada and Kannadigas and initiated measures to implement the Sarojini
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Lungi Ngidi fit to play against CSK
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel on Monday said Lungi Ngidi is set to return to action after recovering from the head injury he suffered in a home game against Punjab Kings on April 25.
Ngidi was stretchered off the field and rushed to a hospital after falling on his head while attempting a catch. The injury led to the South African pacer missing two games.
"Everyone is fit. Lungi is fit. He didn't play two games because of the criterion of six days' rest," said Munaf ahead of the game against Chennai Super Kings.
The bowling attack will be bolstered with the return of Ngidi. Mitchell Starc has also joined the team and made an instant impact in his first appearance of the season against Rajasthan Royals.
Against Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals were not able to defend 264 conceding a record run chase.
Starc's presence is bound to make a difference, said Munaf.
"When there is a wicket-taking bowler in the PowerPlay, the whole scenario changes. 220 or 230 is being chased because you are not able to take wickets in the PowerPlay.
"When the main bowler is there and takes a few wickets in the PowerPlay, it makes a big difference. Bowling in partnerships was missing, but that has been added now," said Munaf.
On David Miller missing out from the playing eleven in the last game, Munaf added: "You can only fit in four foreigners in the XI. Sahil was injured, so we needed an opener and we thought of giving Pathum another chance. We had to play two overseas fast bowlers. So only one between Pathum and Miller could play. We went with Pathum because an opener was required."
