'Respect Local Language': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Condemns SBI Manager For Refusal To speak In Kannada

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly criticised the actions of a State Bank of India branch manager in Surya Nagara, Anekal Taluk, who refused to communicate in Kannada.

In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said, “The behaviour of the SBI Branch Manager in Surya Nagara, Anekal Taluk refusing to speak in Kannada and English and showing disregard to citizens, is strongly condemnable.” 

“We appreciate SBI’s swift action in transferring the official. The matter may now be treated as closed,” he added.

"However, such incidents must not recur. All bank employees must treat customers with dignity and make every effort to speak in the local language," Siddaramaiah further said.

"I urge the @FinMinIndia & Dept of Financial Services to mandate cultural and language sensitisation training for all bank staff across India. Respecting local language is respecting the people," the CM concluded.

A controversy erupted at an SBI branch in Surya Nagara, Anekal Taluk, Karnataka, after a video surfaced showing the branch manager refusing to communicate in Kannada and insisting on speaking only in Hindi.

In the viral clip, a customer repeatedly requested the manager to speak in Kannada, reminding her, "This is Karnataka." The manager responded, "This is India," and firmly stated, "I will not speak Kannada for you," declaring she would only use Hindi.

The incident drew criticism from pro-Kannada groups, who announced plans to protest and submit a memorandum to SBI’s main branch.

The manager later issued an apology video, expressing regret if her actions had caused offence and vowing to try to conduct her duties in Kannada with the help of colleagues.