Bengaluru, India: In Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, a recent directive from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has sparked widespread controversy and protests. The directive mandates that all commercial establishments display at least 60% of their signboards in Kannada, the local language. This move, aimed at promoting the regional language, has led to a significant clash between pro-Kannada groups and those opposing the directive.
The BBMP’s chief commissioner, Tushar Giri Nath, has stated that legal action will be taken against shops that fail to comply with this directive by February 28. This decision has fueled the ongoing Hindi vs. Kannada language row in the state. The directive’s enforcement has been met with resistance, particularly from businesses that traditionally use English or Hindi on their signboards.
Pro-Kannada groups have taken to the streets in protest, demanding the immediate implementation of the BBMP’s order. These protests have turned violent in some areas, with demonstrators tearing down and defacing English language boards, according to Financial Express. The protests have been widespread, occurring in various parts of Bengaluru, including the Kempegowda International Airport.
The language row in Karnataka is not a new issue but has been reignited by the BBMP’s recent directive. The state has a history of linguistic pride, with Kannada speakers often advocating for the preservation and promotion of their language. This latest development is seen as a significant step in that direction, albeit a controversial one.
The situation in Bengaluru reflects a broader debate in India about the role of regional languages versus national and international languages in public and commercial spaces. While the promotion of local languages is seen as crucial for cultural preservation, the enforcement methods, such as the BBMP’s directive, have raised questions about linguistic rights and the practical implications for businesses operating in a multilingual society.
As the deadline for compliance approaches, the tension in Bengaluru continues to escalate, with both sides of the debate standing firm in their positions. The outcome of this language row will be a significant indicator of the direction in which India’s linguistic policies and practices are headed.
