Protesters vandalise signboards across Bengaluru for not using Kannada

The group had set Wednesday as a “deadline” for all establishments in Bengaluru to implement a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) order mandating 60 per cent Kannada in signage across the city. The 2019 order is based on the civic body’s Outdoor Signage and Public Messaging Bye-Laws of 2018.

Following pressure from Kannada groups, the BBMP Sunday set February 28 as the deadline for all establishments to abide by the norms.

VIDEO | Members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedika tear down posters in English on Bengaluru streets, warning commercial establishments to install billboards in Kannada. pic.twitter.com/Gx3G8hSs2p

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 27, 2023

Gowda claimed he spoke to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar the previous night. “They assured us that the protests would be allowed. If they arrest us or stop movement, then police will be responsible for any unforeseen incidents in Bengaluru,” he warned.

Siddaramaiah said: “I have received information that the Narayana Gowda faction (of Kannada Rakshana Vedike) has raised a cry over installing Kannada signboards. I have told officials to act against anyone taking the law into their hands.”

Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development Minister, put the onus on business establishments. “For those living and doing business in Bengaluru, there is a law which says signages should have 60 per cent Kannada in them. Everyone should follow it.”

Meanwhile, according to a PTI report, state Home Minister G Parameshwara told media in Kalaburagi that the Kannada activists have been warning against the non-usage of Kannada language in the signboards. He said the government respects Kannada because all its activities take place in the state’s official language, according to the PTI report.

Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedika during a protest in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (Express Photo by M Jithendra)

The protesters vandalised the signboard of the multi-city hotel chain Bloom. They were also seen entering the hotel premises chanting pro-Kannada slogans. Marching towards Chikkajala, the group defaced and removed many signboards. Videos of protesters spray painting some boards were shared on social media platforms. They were also seen tearing up large flexes installed along the airport road.

Kannada signage is a long-standing demand of pro-Kannada organisations. Last week, too, Kannada organisations carried out a procession over this demand at the city’s Chickpet area.

Videos of the incident showed the protestors abusing shopkeepers in a market area. Protestors also demonstrated against the Mall of Asia.

Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedika during a protest in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (Express Photo by M Jithendra)

A trade body, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Wednesday requested the government to ensure that no one harasses business establishments while assuring authorities that they would follow the BBMP order.

“FKCCI will always follow the rules of Government and will also instruct its members to adhere to the orders of Government/BBMP. We request the Government of Karnataka and BBMP not to initiate any action for the above rule till the deadline of 28th February 2024 and also urges the Government to ensure that no one takes law in their own hands to harass the Trade and Commercial establishments,” it said in a statement.