Bengaluru’s 107 languages spark debate amid Kannada controversy

In the midst of a heated language dispute triggered by a viral video at an SBI branch in Bengaluru, a local resident offered a compelling perspective: “Bengaluru speaks 107 languages.”

Kiran Kumar shared on X that those criticizing the city and Karnataka over a customer service spat should relax. He highlighted that Bengaluru’s linguistic diversity exists because people here are generally tolerant and accommodating.

The controversy began when an SBI manager at the Suryanagar branch in Chandapura refused to converse in Kannada, stating, “This is India, I’ll speak Hindi, not Kannada.” The clip went viral, sparking protests, political backlash, and intense discussions online.

Kumar’s praise of Bengaluru’s inclusiveness met with mixed reactions. One commenter warned that such linguistic diversity can be fragile: “With 107 languages, tensions rise when one tries to dominate others.” Another said, “All languages are fine—except Hindi, which tries to unify by overriding.”

Following the uproar, SBI transferred the manager and issued a public apology. The manager herself appeared in a video speaking Kannada and apologizing, but the incident left a lasting impact.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the event, demanding language sensitivity training for bank staff. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya insisted all Karnataka-facing employees must speak Kannada.

Meanwhile, the controversy has unsettled some non-Kannada-speaking professionals. Several tech entrepreneurs have even hinted at relocating, worried by rising language tensions in the city.

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