Bengaluru Metro signs row: Surge in Kannadiga pride offers Siddaramaiah chance to score points

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation's (BMRC) move to post Hindi signage, in addition to Kannada and English, along its spanking new network has rekindled the language debate in Karnataka. With assembly elections scheduled next year, the sudden surge in 'Kannadiga pride' is being conveniently used by chief minister Siddaramaiah to score points off the BJP.

The chief minister's office even posted a video on YouTube underscoring the relevance of Kannada in the present context. "We cannot tolerate any kind of attack on the language. Kannadigas must be proud of the language and culture," Siddaramaiah said vociferously. Taken by surprise, it took the BJP over a week to react.

While BMRC meekly removed all Hindi signage from its stations and coaches in the face of slogan-shouting street protests, the move has had a cascading effect on other central government organisations located in Bengaluru. With the BJP still dithering about its stance, Siddaramaiah and the Congress have clearly won the first round of the language debate.

There's more. Following the chief minister's endorsement on YouTube, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) shot off a letter, directing employees of all nationalised banks in the state to conduct transactions in Kannada or quit. Upping the ante further, pro-Kannada activists ordered commercial establishments in Bengaluru and elsewhere in the state to put up only Kannada signboards.

The ferocity of the agitation has surprised non-Kannadigas even though those spearheading it insist it's not about language. "Bengaluru wouldn't have been what it is today without the contribution of non-Kannadigas," says Anand Navilur, an IT professional leading an online campaign against the Hindi signage. He, however, adds, "Hindi cannot be unilaterally imposed on us by the Centre. Just because Bengaluru is cosmopolitan does not mean everyone here understands Hindi."

After Kannadigas, Telugu, Tamil and Urdu speakers form the largest linguistic groups in Bengaluru. "No one asked for signage in Hindi," says Kannada activist B. Manjunatha.

The KDA's directive to banks, too, has received wide support. "It is imperative for everyone to respect local language and culture to avoid conflict," says its chief S.G. Siddaramaiah. "We merely asked banks to conduct transactions in Kannada for the benefit of customers. How can you expect a farmer in Mandya district to know Hindi or English?"

The KDA is being backed to the hilt by the Congress. The party is further consolidating its position by announcing a plan to pursue an independent flag for Karnataka representing Kannadiga values and tradition. It is also in the process of adopting a 'cultural policy' to bring Kannada to the forefront.