Karnataka Language Row: SBI Official Refuses to Speak Kannada, Sparks Outrage

A video from the State Bank of India’s Surya Nagar branch in Bengaluru has ignited controversy, showing a staff member refusing to speak Kannada during a customer interaction, sparking widespread criticism and triggering a linguistic and political storm.

In the now-viral clip, the SBI official is seen arguing with a customer, repeatedly declining to speak Kannada and stating, "I will never speak Kannada." When the customer insists on communication in the local language, the staffer dismisses it, questioning if there’s any rule mandating Kannada usage. The customer fires back, saying, “This is Karnataka,” to which the staffer retorts, “This is India.”

Social Media Uproar
The video rapidly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), with users tagging SBI and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accusing the staff of Hindi imposition, misbehaviour, and violating RBI’s local language norms.

SBI Responds
In a statement, SBI expressed regret over the incident and confirmed an internal probe. “We are deeply concerned… The matter is under evaluation. SBI has zero tolerance for behaviour that affects customer sentiment,” the bank said. The staffer involved has reportedly been transferred.

Protests Announced
● Pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has called for statewide protests on May 21:
● A main rally to SBI Head Office, St. Mark’s Road, Bengaluru.
● A women-led demonstration at SBI’s Chandapura branch on Anekal Road.

KRV president T.A. Narayanagowda said the protest is about “linguistic respect and customer dignity.”

Political Reactions
● CM Siddaramaiah called the incident “strongly condemnable” and welcomed SBI’s action. “The matter may now be treated as closed,” he said.
● Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya disagreed, calling the incident “unacceptable” and reiterated that banks in Karnataka “must serve customers in Kannada. Period.”

Key Issues Raised:
● Alleged Hindi imposition in public services.
● RBI guidelines on regional language use in banking.
● Linguistic rights and the treatment of local customers.

This incident has once again spotlighted linguistic sensitivity in official interactions and the need for public institutions to respect local languages and cultural sentiments.