Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the Bengaluru-based IPL team, ignited a heated discussion after launching a Hindi account on X. The account, created in October 2024, has stirred up emotions among fans and pro-Kannada groups. Despite having only five posts as of November 28, it has gathered almost 2,500 followers.
The move has faced strong backlash from several Kannada activists, who accuse RCB of imposing Hindi on their predominantly Kannada-speaking audience. Many fans have voiced their dissatisfaction on social media, with some even starting petitions urging the team to rethink the decision.
The account features AI-generated videos of recent IPL acquisitions, including a video where England cricketer Liam Livingstone greets fans in Hindi. This has further fueled the controversy.
In recent times, many Hindi speakers in Bengaluru have felt isolated, with videos of auto-rickshaw drivers asking passengers to speak in Kannada going viral. One woman shared her struggles of being harassed by local drivers and customer service, revealing the challenges of living in a city where linguistic identity plays a significant role.
While critics demand the closure of the Hindi account, there are supporters who argue that RCB’s global following warrants such a page. They believe that a Hindi account would help the team connect with its diverse fanbase and should not be viewed as a divisive action.
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