Karnataka Viral Video: Language Row Escalates Yet Again on Kannada, SBI Branch Manager Says Will Only Speak in Hindi, Netizens React

The controversy of language supremacy gets yet another spin-off in Karnataka. In a now-viral video, a heated exchange unfolds between a local customer and the SBI Surya Nagara branch manager, who reportedly refuses to speak Kannada, insisting on using Hindi instead.

The video has split netizens into two camps — one backing the local's demand for Kannada in public service, while others defend the manager’s language choice. 

Local Demands Vs Language Policy: What Leads to This Clash?

The viral Karnakata video is from the Suryanagara branch of SBI in Anekal Taluk in Karnataka. The customer posted this video on his X handle, showing the reaction of the branch manager and other SBI staff when he demanded to communicate in Kannada.

I WILL NOT SPEAK KANNADA IN KARNATAKA, NEVER, SPEAK IN HINDI.
@TheOfficialSBI Branch manager SBI, surya nagara, anekal taluk KARNATAKA
Your Branch manager and staff disrespect the Kannada language, imposing hindi on people of karnataka, misbehaving with customers,on duty times… pic.twitter.com/drD7L6Dydb

— ಗುರುದೇವ್ ನಾರಾಯಣ್ 💛❤️ GURUDEV NARAYAN🌿 (@Gurudevnk16) May 20, 2025

The user posted this video, tagging Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the RBI. He accused the SBI staff of disrespecting the Kannada language and imposing Hindi. His further accusations are grave, claiming the staff is disobeying RBI rules and denying services during duty times.

Keeping aside the claims, we could hear the lady Branch manager saying, “I will not speak Kannada, I will never speak Kannada”. Her logic is simple, as she says, “this is India,” imposing her right to talk in English or Hindi, both the country’s official languages.

Again, this ignites the age-old conflict of whether regional languages should be prioritised over Hindi and English. The consumer stated he had the right to get services in his local language per the RBI guidelines. In contrast, the manager indicated that both the official languages of India must be respected. 

Karnataka Viral Video Sparks Online Debate Among Netizens

The Karnataka viral video received mixed reactions. Amidst the heated debate over language respect, one netizen exclaimed with frustration, “I see no disrespect to Kannada here. Why are some Kannadigas hell-bound on imagining disrespect for their mother tongue is best known to them?”

Another user expresses discontent with the disruption of regular banking services, saying, “Shame on you for harassing a woman just trying to do her job.” Another user acts as a mediator, saying, “Why Hindi? If they don’t know Kannada, talk in English.” 

Concluding who is right and who is wrong is truly difficult here. However, knowing a link language like English can always help you understand the other person, keeping the language sentiments aside. What is your opinion on this? Let us know your language preference here in the comments!