Bengaluru Startup To Relocate Due To 'Language Nonsense' After SBI Kannada Row, Owner Says

A Bengaluru-based tech entrepreneur has decided to shut down his company’s operations in the city and shift base to Pune following concerns from employees over a recent language-related controversy. The decision comes in the wake of a viral video showing a State Bank of India (SBI) manager allegedly refusing to converse in Kannada with a customer.

'Don't Want My Staff To Be Next Victim'

Kaushik Mukherjee, the founder of the company, announced the relocation on X (formerly Twitter), citing employee discomfort as the driving factor. "Today I took a decision to wind up our Bangalore office in the next 6 months and move it to Pune. If this language nonsense is to continue, I do not want my non Kannada speaking staff to be the next "victim". This idea was mooted by the staff themselves. I agreed to their POV," he said, as per his post on X.

SBI Kannada Row

The controversy stems from an incident at SBI’s Chandapura branch in Bengaluru, where a manager was recorded refusing to speak Kannada, reportedly telling a customer, “This is India, I’ll speak Hindi, not Kannada”, reported Business Today. The video quickly gained traction online, prompting widespread condemnation.

Prominent leaders weighed in, including Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, who described the manager's stance as “unacceptable.” Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also criticised the behavior, labeling it “strongly condemnable,” and called on the Union Finance Ministry to introduce mandatory language and cultural sensitivity training for bank employees.

Following public backlash, SBI responded by transferring the manager and issuing an official apology. Despite this, Mukherjee's decision to move his operations has reignited discussions around language inclusivity and regional identity in Karnataka’s workplaces.

Earlier, a controversy broke out over appointing actor Tamannaah Bhatia as brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap. The government's decision reportedly sparked controversy with pro-Kannada groups preferring a local actress.

ALSO READ: Tamannaah Bhatia Named Mysore Sandal Soap Ambassador, Karnataka Govt Faces Backlash

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