Over 20 shops in Bengaluru faced vandalism on Wednesday during protests by pro-Kannada groups demanding businesses comply with the government's 60% Kannada signage rule. Protesters targeted popular brands like House of Masaba, Starbucks, Third Wave Coffee, Forest Essentials, and Theobroma, damaging English-language signs and boards.
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada organization, led the protest demanding all businesses in Karnataka adopt Kannada for signboards and nameplates. KRV state president TA Narayan Gowda emphasized the need for businesses to respect the local language, stating, "If they want to stay back in Bangalore, they have to put nameplates on their shops in Kannada."
Gowda threatened continued protests if compliance is not met, saying, "We will continue the rally every day till our demands are met." The protests even temporarily shut down two malls in the city.
This recent escalation comes against the backdrop of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) mandating 60% Kannada signage on all commercial stores by February 28, 2024. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed support for the rule.
The incident sparked debates on language promotion, cultural representation, and the potential repercussions of coercive tactics. While proponents of the rule emphasize the importance of preserving and promoting Kannada in a diverse city like Bengaluru, concerns remain regarding the possible negative impact on business and potential exclusion of non-Kannada speaking communities.
The situation in Bengaluru highlights the complex dynamics of language politics and the need for a balanced approach that respects diverse linguistic backgrounds while promoting local languages.