Bengaluru is witnessing rising tensions surrounding language and identity, with recent incidents reflecting a clash between Kannada and Hindi speakers, as well as local residents and migrants. The situation has become increasingly volatile, spilling from online discourse into physical confrontations in the city.
In the past three weeks alone, there have been multiple altercations between service providers and customers. An incident involving an autorickshaw driver escalated when he confronted a 23-year-old visual merchandising professional for speaking Hindi, insisting that only Kannada should be spoken in Karnataka. Another case saw a tent rental company owner assaulted after asking staff to learn Kannada. These confrontations highlight a growing trend of “language militancy,” where individuals discriminate against others based on linguistic differences.
The tensions have been exacerbated by recent celebrations of Hindi Diwas and vocal opposition from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against the perceived imposition of Hindi by the central government. Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan nature, with approximately 40% of its population being migrants, complicates the situation, as many newcomers do not speak Kannada.
While police officials state they do not categorize offenses based on language, the context of these incidents reveals a deeper cultural divide. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda confirmed that charges are based on the nature of the offense rather than linguistic context. However, local authorities, such as the Kannada Development Authority, emphasize the importance of multilingualism in a diverse society.
The digital landscape has also fueled the debate, with influencers and social media posts stoking the flames of division. Influencer Sugandh Sharma faced backlash after claiming Bengaluru would be empty if North Indians left, leading to widespread criticism and a police complaint.
Historians note that while language-related tensions are not new in Bengaluru, their expression has evolved. Janki Nair, an author and historian, suggests that Kannada has struggled to establish itself as a dominant language amidst competition from Tamil, English, and now Hindi.
In this climate, accusations have also emerged within the pro-Kannada movement, as some Kannadigas criticize their peers for overlooking the cultural diversity within Karnataka, such as the Tulu-speaking population in coastal regions and dialectal differences among residents.
As the dialogue around language and identity continues, it remains to be seen how Bengaluru will navigate these complex cultural dynamics while fostering inclusivity in its increasingly diverse society.
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