A Reddit post by a woman identifying as a Kannadiga has reignited the ongoing debate around language, identity, and class in Bengaluru. Her candid observations on the city’s growing social divide between locals and migrants—and even within the local community—have drawn widespread reactions online.
In her post, she stated, “I’m a Kannadiga and I’m done defending Bengaluru. This city deserves the hate it’s getting.” Originally from a Tier-2 town in Karnataka, she has lived in Bengaluru for the past 6–7 years.
Recalling a recent incident, she wrote about being humiliated by a BMTC bus conductor. While she was on an important call and knocked on the door, he mocked her, saying, “Stylish agi phone hold maadi door knock maadthidiya?” (Are you knocking on the door stylishly while holding a phone?).
She noted that how she’s treated varies with her appearance—dressed simply, she faces no issues; dressed well, she experiences more friction. “Once they realize I speak Kannada, their attitude shifts. It’s like the hostility fades,” she added.
According to her, this behavior reflects deep-seated resentment over the city’s rapid development. “Some people seem to resent the city’s growth and direct that anger at fellow Kannadigas who’ve progressed economically.”
Several commenters resonated with her experience. One user shared a story about a rude conductor refusing change. Another said, “The chaos has hardened everyone.” A third added, “People get surprised I speak Kannada just because I’m dressed well.”