SBI official transferred after her refusal to speak Kannada sparks protest
The viral video sparked diverse reactions, including from CM, over language discrimination, with the customer reminding the official to talk to him in Kannada, citing RBI guidelines
A State Bank of India (SBI) official in Bengaluru has been transferred after a video showing her refusing to speak Kannada with a customer went viral.
The footage from the Surya Nagar branch in Chandapura captured the official arguing with a customer and walking away after bluntly stating saying, “I will never speak Kannada,” sparked widespread outrage across Karnataka, with politicians and pro-Kannada groups demanding accountability.
The viral video sparked widespread concern over language discrimination, with the customer reminding the official that Kannada is the local language, asking her to talk to him in Kannada, citing RBI guidelines. The official’s response in Hindi — “this is India”— added fuel to the outrage.
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Political backlash
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the incident, stating the official’s behaviour was “strongly condemnable.” He appreciated SBI’s swift action in transferring the official and said “matter may now be treated as closed.”
He also urged the Ministry of Finance to introduce cultural and language sensitisation training for bank staff nationwide, reinforcing that “respecting the local language is respecting the people.”
Meanwhile, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya reiterated his call for banks to prioritise hiring locals or staff proficient in the regional language, saying, “Banks working in Karnataka should serve customers in Kannada. Period.”
Calls for protest
The controversy has reignited linguistic tensions, with pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) announcing statewide protests on May 21.
Protesters plan to march to SBI’s Head Office on St. Mark’s Road, while the women’s wing will protest outside the Chandapura branch, demanding respect for the state’s official language.
The group accused SBI staff of consistently disrespecting Kannada-speaking customers and failing to offer services in the local language.
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Bank’s response
Following the backlash, SBI issued a public statement expressing regret over the incident. “We are deeply concerned about the recent incident at our Surya Nagar Branch of AO South Bengaluru. The matter is currently under thorough evaluation,” the bank said.
It added that SBI follows a zero-tolerance policy toward behaviour that affects customer sentiment and remains committed to ensuring respectful conduct.