Language War Escalates as Non-Kannada Signs Defaced in Bengaluru

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organisation, defaced English, Hindi, and even Telugu language signboards.

(Photo: ANI Screengrab)

What started as an anti-Hindi protest has now escalated into a full-fledged language war in Bengaluru, after Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada organisation, defaced English, Hindi, and even Telugu language signboards at a mall in the city.

KRV activist Praveen Shetty added that they had issued notices to malls and authorities to include Kannada on all signboards. When multiple outlets failed to do so, they resorted to the extreme measure.

Jobs should be provided to Kannadigas. Where have the IT companies given jobs to Kannadigas? We have given land to IT companies and industries. We have also provided electricity and water. Then why do you not want Kannada? We need Kannada, Kannadigas, and the culture.

Praveen Shetty, KRV Activist

The protests had started after pro-Kannada activists disagreed with the usage of Hindi on signboards in the city’s Namma Metro.

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman