Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah Issues '60 Per Cent Kannada' Ordinance Day After Bengaluru Vandalism; Sets 2-Month Deadline

A day after Bengaluru witnessed incidents of vandalism, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a high-level meeting with officials from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Department of Kannada and Culture.

In response to the turmoil, he announced the introduction of an ordinance requiring commercial establishments to display nameplates with 60 per cent Kannada content as reported by Hindustan Times.

Siddaramaiah emphasised the importance of following state government guidelines and urged businesses not to panic.

"I directed the officials of BBMP and the culture department to pass an ordinance and implement the '60% Kannada' rule on all nameplates. Rules will be formed, and they will be notified to everyone," stated the Chief Minister.

He called on establishments to prioritise the local language and comply with the guidelines, stating that businesses lacking 60 per cent Kannada on their nameplates should make the necessary changes by 28 February.

Addressing the previous day's vandalism by Karnataka Rakhsana Vedike, Siddaramaiah firmly stated, "Nobody should take law and order into their own hands. We do not encourage any kind of vandalism in Bengaluru."

Despite the Chief Minister's announcement, the BBMP had already issued a directive on Tuesday instructing commercial establishments to install signage boards with 60 per cent Kannada content.

BBMP Commissioner Tushar Girinath outlined the process, stating that a survey of commercial shops on arterial and sub-arterial roads would be conducted, and notices would be issued to those not complying with the Kannada language requirement.

Establishments would then have until 28 February to implement Kannada language nameplates and submit compliance to the respective zone commissioners.