Language row: Pro-Kannada activists vandalize English signboards in Bengaluru
Pro-Kannada activists of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) on Wednesday went on a rampage in Bengaluru, tearing down English signboards and demanding that 60% of all signage be in Kannada. The vandalization in Karnataka's capital came a day after the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) ordered businesses to ensure "60% Kannada" in their signboards and nameplates. The civil administrative body also said it will suspend licenses of non-compliant establishments if they fail to comply by February 28.
Why does this story matter?
With the use of the English language in Bengaluru witnessing a rise over the years, Kannada enthusiasts and activists have taken to the streets in protest. The pro-Kannada protesters, especially the KRV, had given Wednesday (December 27) as the final deadline for implementation of the BBMP's order, following which it started its protest. Meanwhile, the rampage has resulted in beefed-up security across the city. Activists, including KRV State President Narayana Gowda, were taken into preventive custody by the police.
Visuals: Pro-Kannada activists vandalize shops in Bengaluru
Police intervened and detained protesters
To control the situation, the Bengaluru Police resorted to lathi-charge and even detained some of the pro-Kannada protesters. The activists were demonstrating to send a message to owners of malls, shops, commercial buildings, and factories to install Kannada signboards, giving more visibility to the regional language. Visuals circulated on social media show that the activists destroyed English signs and sprayed black ink on English words, with some even barging into establishments to remove English signage.
BBMP orders mandatory use of Kannada on signboards
The BBMP on Tuesday mandated that all hotels, malls, shops, and other businesses must use Kannada on their signboards, warning of strict action against those who fail to comply. Bengaluru has 1,400km of arterial and sub-arterial roads, and the civic body a survey will be conducted to identify which shops have adhered to the Kannada language rules. The move aims to ensure greater visibility for the local language.
CM Siddaramaiah earlier asked all residents to learn Kannada
As per the Bengaluru municipal corporation's order, all businesses operating in the city should have 60% of their signboards in the Kannada language. In October, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah triggered a similar row after he said, "Everyone living in this state should learn to speak Kannada." "We are all Kannadigas. People speaking different languages have settled in this Kannada land since the unification of Karnataka," he had remarked.
