SBI staff refuses Kannada, triggers statewide protests

A State Bank of India (SBI) employee’s refusal to communicate in Kannada with a customer at the Surya Nagar branch in Bengaluru has led to significant public backlash across Karnataka. The issue came to light after a video showing the argument between the employee and a customer was widely shared on social media. The matter has triggered protests by pro-Kannada groups and responses from both state and national leaders.

The video that sparked public outrage

In the viral clip, the SBI staffer is seen refusing to speak Kannada despite repeated requests from the customer. The situation intensifies when the customer demands Kannada be used, to which the employee responds, “I will never speak Kannada.” When asked to speak Kannada instead of Hindi, the official questions, “Where is it written?” At one point, the customer insists it's an RBI rule, to which she responds, “This is India,” while he counters, “This is Karnataka.”

The arrogant SBI manager who was saying She will never speak Kannada now apologised. #ServeInMyLanguage #StopHindiImposition #KannadaInKarnataka https://t.co/8rvQjGVEls pic.twitter.com/Kn4ChBjw4D

— Safa 🇮🇳 (@safaspeaks) May 21, 2025

Reactions on social media and SBI’s response

The video gained attention on social media platform X, with users tagging the State Bank of India and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Posts alleged that the employee was imposing Hindi, misbehaving with customers, and not following RBI norms. In response, SBI released a statement saying it is “deeply concerned” and is currently reviewing the matter. The bank stated it has a zero-tolerance policy for behaviour that affects customer sentiment and added it is committed to respectful service delivery.

Protests announced by Kannada groups

The incident has prompted Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) to declare statewide protests. The organisation alleged that staff at the Chandapura branch regularly disrespect Kannada-speaking customers and do not provide services in the state’s official language. KRV will hold two protests on May 21 at 11 am. One march will head to SBI’s Head Office on St. Mark’s Road to submit a memorandum, while the KRV Women’s Wing will protest outside the Chandapura branch on Anekal Road.

Political leaders weigh in on the controversy

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the behaviour of the bank official and supported the transfer of the employee. He stated that the matter can now be treated as resolved. However, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya called the behaviour “unacceptable” and emphasised that banks in Karnataka must serve customers in Kannada. He added that he has consistently raised the issue of recruiting local staff or at least ensuring knowledge of the local language in banking services.

The incident has reignited discussions around language and customer rights, pushing both institutions and politicians to respond swiftly and clearly.

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