Kannada Language Row In Bengaluru: SBI Manager Says ‘This Is India’, Customer Retorts ‘Kannada First’

According to bystanders, the customer reportedly told the officer, “This is Karnataka, madam,” emphasising the need to use the regional language.

The standoff, which lasted several minutes, was captured and circulated online, quickly drawing polarised reactions.

Source : PTI

Karnataka’s long-standing language debate flared up once again after a recent confrontation between a customer and a bank official went viral, sparking widespread debate and calls for protest. The incident, which took place at a local bank branch, saw tensions rise when a customer insisted on being served in Kannada—a demand the bank official declined.

According to bystanders, the customer reportedly told the officer, “This is Karnataka, madam,” emphasising the need to use the regional language. The official, however, stood her ground, allegedly responding that she would not speak in Kannada for him. She continued to communicate in Hindi.

Taking to X, Siddaramaiah said, “The behaviour of the SBI branch manager in Surya Nagar, Anekal taluk, refusing to speak in Kannada and English and showing disregard to citizens is strongly condemnable. We appreciate SBI’s swift action in transferring the official. The matter may now be treated as closed.”

“All bank employees must treat customers with dignity and make every effort to speak the local language. I urge @FinMinIndia and the Department of Financial Services to mandate cultural and language sensitisation training for all bank staff across India. Respecting the local language is respecting the people,” he said, with the hashtag 'KannadaFirst'.

Pro-Kannada Orgs Call For Protest

The standoff, which lasted several minutes, was captured and circulated online, quickly drawing polarised reactions. Some users rallied behind the customer, arguing that Kannada should be respected as the local language, especially in public-facing institutions. Others defended the bank official's right to use a language of her choice, stressing that India’s linguistic diversity includes the freedom to speak any language.

In response to the altercation, several pro-Kannada organisations have announced a protest march to the State Bank of India’s main branch in Bengaluru. The demonstrators plan to submit a memorandum demanding accountability and stricter enforcement of Kannada language use in public services.