In Bengaluru, members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedika, a pro-Kannada activist group, were detained after they vandalized stores near Phoenix Mall of Asia. Their demand was for businesses to comply with the civic authority’s guidelines and display Kannada nameplates. The rampage, captured in viral videos, led to the arrest of several activists.
The 60% Kannada Rule Explained
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has implemented a rule requiring commercial establishments to have 60% of their signage in Kannada. This means that more than half of a business’s signboard should be in the Kannada language. The BBMP has set a deadline of February 28 for compliance, threatening closure and cancellation of trade licenses for non-compliant businesses.
Federation Urges Authorities to Wait Until Deadline
The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) has urged authorities not to take action against businesses before the February 28 deadline. While encouraging members to follow the rule, FKCCI emphasized that many establishments were unaware that the 60% Kannada rule was a BBMP regulation and not just a demand from fringe organizations.
Protest Leader’s Ultimatum
TN Narayan Gowda, president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedika, asserted that businesses unwilling to display Kannada nameplates should consider relocating from Karnataka. He criticized establishments, including the Mall of Asia in Bengaluru, for not complying with the Kannada signage rule. Gowda warned of continued protests until their demands were met, questioning the sustainability of police protection for non-compliant businesses.
Siddaramaiah Warns of Legal Action
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded to the protests, expressing disapproval of the activists taking the law into their own hands. He stated that action would be taken against those who violated the law. Siddaramaiah also acknowledged the demand for Kannada nameboards but emphasized that the means to achieve it should be lawful.
Political Divisions Over the Issue
The incident sparked political tensions, with Karnataka BJP leaders blaming the Congress government for fueling Kannadiga versus non-Kannadiga conflicts. However, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi supported the 60% Kannada rule, emphasizing the importance of signage in local languages. Joshi countered criticisms by stating, “This is not England,” and suggested that businesses should include Kannada alongside English or other languages for wider accessibility.
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