Siddaramaiah and Tejasvi Surya respond as Bengaluru SBI manager says she ‘will never speak Kannada' in viral video
A viral video of a State Bank of India manager refusing to speak in Kannada to a customer at a Bengaluru branch has drawn criticism, including from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya.
In the video, shot at SBI's Surya Nagar branch in Chandapura, the bank manager is seen arguing with a customer and walking away after stating, 'I will never speak Kannada.' When asked by the customer to follow the Reserve Bank of India's guidelines and respect the local language, the manager dismissively responds, 'This is India.'
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) protested on Wednesday demanding SBI sack the manager for 'disrespecting' Kannada-speaking customers and failing to offer services in the local language.
The SBI manager later posted online an apology video, in which she was also seen giggling.
Siddaramaiah criticised the SBI manager. 'The behaviour of the SBI Branch Manager in Surya Nagara, Anekal Taluk, refusing to speak in Kannada & 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. However, such incidents must not recur. All bank employees must treat customers with dignity and make every effort to speak in the local language. I urge the @FinMinIndia & Dept of Financial Services to mandate cultural and language sensitisation training for all bank staff across India. Respecting the local language is respecting the people. #KannadaFirst.'
The behaviour of the SBI Branch Manager in Surya Nagara, Anekal Taluk refusing to speak in Kannada & 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.…
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 21, 2025
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya also echoed the Congress leader. 'This behaviour by @TheOfficialSBI Branch Manager is simply not acceptable. If you are doing customer interface work in Karnataka, especially in a sector like banking, it is important to communicate to customers in the language they know. Being adamant like this is simply not right. I have time and again raised this issue of mandatorily posting local staff or staff who know the local language in banking operations, both inside and outside Parliament. Just a few weeks ago, at a Public Accounts Committee meeting, I had raised this issue to the DFS Secretary who assured me action will be taken to follow a office notification that makes this requirement of local language knowledge compulsory. Looks like this still isn't being enforced properly. I urge the concerned at @TheOfficialSBI to immediately implement the DFS policy that mandates local language requirement. I have spoken to concerned authorities to take action against this manager who has behaved in this manner. Banks working in Karnataka should serve customers in Kannada. Period.'
This behaviour by @TheOfficialSBI Branch Manager is simply not acceptable.
If you are doing customer interface work in Karnataka, especially in a sector like banking , it is important to communicate to customers in the language they know. Being adamant like this is simply not… pic.twitter.com/VPB8i5eTvB
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) May 21, 2025
For its part, SBI said in a statement, 'We are deeply concerned about the recent incident at our Surya Nagar Branch of AO South Bengaluru. The matter is currently under thorough evaluation.'
The bank reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for behaviour that affects customer sentiment.
This is not the first time bank officials in Karnataka have insisted customers speak in Hindi.
In September 2024, when customers asked for a challan printed in Kannada, a bank manager claimed Hindi was the national language and said, 'Speak Hindi and get your service done, or else leave.'
The challan was printed in English and Hindi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
28 minutes ago
- Indian Express
CLAT 2025 Topper: Meet Saksham Gautam; a humanities student with a love for Math
At a time when the counselling process of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) UG is underway, with the second merit list out and the third expected by June 20, The Indian Express caught up with the CLAT 2025 exam topper, Saksham Gautam. A humanities student from Delhi Public School, Faridabad, Gautam also aced his boards with a stunning 98.6 per cent. Speaking to this publication, Gautam shared his preparation strategy, mindset, and advice for future aspirants. Inspiration to choose law For Gautam, the decision to pursue law was rooted in both intellectual curiosity and a deeper civic aspiration. 'I began looking beyond Engineering and Medical as early as Class 7,' Gautam said, noting that despite coming from a family of engineers, STEM never quite clicked for him. 'Social Sciences, especially English and History, fascinated me. By Class 9 and 10, law emerged as a compelling avenue,' he added. He also emphasised his interest in public engagement. 'I don't want a corporate job. Many of our national leaders and freedom fighters were lawyers. Even in UPSC, law graduates have a good selection ratio,' he explained, hinting that public service remains a long-term option. Balancing CLAT with Class 12 boards 'It was challenging to balance CLAT with Class 12 boards,' Gautam admitted candidly. While attending regular school, he simultaneously prepared for CLAT with Legal Edge by Toprankers in Delhi. 'Prioritisation was key. If CLAT demanded more time, school took a backseat and vice versa,' he said. He began serious preparation in Class 11 by keeping 2-3 hours daily for CLAT. 'In 12th, I didn't track hours. I followed a task-based schedule. My goal was to complete all tasks by night,' he added. Challenging sections Reading comprehension, Gautam said, was 'one of the most demanding aspects of CLAT' since the exam is heavily passage-based. 'I wasn't an avid reader, so developing reading habits – especially newspapers and long-form articles – was hard at first,' he said. Logical Reasoning also posed challenges. 'Critical reasoning is dominant in CLAT. Being thorough with assumptions, arguments, and conclusions is essential,' he said, recommending consistent practice and attention to previous year questions. Speaking on Legal Reasoning, Gautam busted a common myth: 'You don't need to be legally literate. Familiarity with current legal developments is more important than rote learning legal jargon.' Importance of mock tests and coaching 'Mocks are non-negotiable. They show where you stand and how to adjust your preparation. CLAT changed drastically post-2020, so being aware of evolving patterns through mocks is crucial,' the CLAT topper said. While Gautam strongly benefited from coaching, he emphasised its purpose. 'Coaching doesn't make you successful – your effort does. What coaching gives is structure, discipline, and mentorship,' he said, noting that Legal Edge provided helpful material and guidance, particularly in General Knowledge. 'Mentorship, for me, meant someone analysing my mock scores, helping identify weak areas, and showing how to work on them,' he added. Tips on staying focused Addiction to social media, Gautam revealed, was his biggest challenge during preparation. 'I was distracted in Class 11 and even into 12th. The turning point was admitting to myself that it was hurting my preparation,' he shared. Deleting apps and seeking his parents' and teachers' supervision helped him regain control. 'Distractions will vary, but the first step is honest acceptance,' he said. Advice for future aspirants 'Start reading newspapers, editorials, anything,' he advised. 'Focus on improving reading speed and comprehension. Simultaneously, begin basic maths: percentages, averages, ratios,' Gautam added. He also urged aspirants not to ignore maths. 'Many fear it irrationally. But CLAT maths is of Class 8-9 level. You must tackle it. Maths and GK are game-changers in top ranks,' he said. Delay in CLAT results Calling the five-month delay in publication of CLAT results from December 2024 to May 2025 'distressing', Gautam said uncertainty was the real burden. 'At one point, it seemed the counselling process had been pushed indefinitely. Aspirants shouldn't be the ones suffering due to others' errors,' he said. The road ahead Gautam has not yet committed to a legal specialisation but is keeping his options open. 'College will help me figure that out,' he said. He's currently reading Dr B R Ambedkar's Annihilation of Caste and prefers spending leisure time walking or talking to friends rather than engaging in sports. In his words, 'CLAT may be unpredictable, but with consistency, mentorship, and self-discipline, it's absolutely conquerable.'
Hindustan Times
29 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Fadnavis responds to Rahul Gandhi's Maharashtra ‘poll rigging' claim: ‘Insulted voters'
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday reacted to Rahul Gandhi's claims about last year's election in the state, saying that the Congress leader is "insulting" the people of Maharashtra. Earlier today, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Maharashtra assembly election held last year had been 'rigged' and alleged that the same would be repeated in the upcoming Bihar assembly polls. In a post on X, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, shared his own article published in a newspaper and wrote that the Maharashtra elections were a 'blueprint for rigging democracy'. Pointing to the article, Fadnavis said that Rahul Gandhi should understand the ground reality of the Congress party's grim future. "Unless and until Rahul Gandhi understands the ground-level facts and stops lying to himself and giving false comfort and promises, his party will never win. He should wake up (from ignorance), otherwise, he will keep talking such things which are devoid of facts," he told reporters, according to PTI. Also Read | 'Completely absurd': EC on claims over Maharashtra elections Fadnavis also alleged that Gandhi has insulted the electors of Maharashtra by casting aspersions on the fairness of elections. "He has insulted voters and ladki bahins (beneficiaries of a state government scheme for poor women). I condemn his statement," he said, reported PTI. Fadnavis pointed out that the Election Commission had earlier debunked his claims with evidence and released figures of increased voters in the previous elections and the latest one. Also Read | 'Rahul Gandhi's tongue is like Pakistan': Giriraj Singh's fierce attack on LoP in Bihar "He is habituated to speaking lies. Gandhi believes that by lying every day, people will accept his claims as truth. He has made such allegations in the past. He doesn't know what he is saying. People listening to him don't understand what he says. I feel there is no need to react," he added. The senior BJP leader also advised Gandhi to stop "convincing himself, wake up, and work on the ground", claiming Congress has no future. In his post on X, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, shared his own article published in a newspaper and wrote: 'How to steal an election? Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy. My article shows how this happened, step by step.' He added, 'Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission, Step 2: Add fake voters to the roll, Step 3: Inflate voter turnout, Step 4: Target the bogus voting exactly where BJP needs to win, Step 5: Hide the evidence.' Gandhi further said: 'It's not hard to see why the BJP was so desperate in Maharashtra. But rigging is like match-fixing - the side that cheats might win the game, but damages institutions and destroy public faith in the result.' He also urged all concerned Indian citizens to demand answers and judge the situation for themselves while evaluating the evidence. (Inputs from PTI)
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Germany reaffirms strong support in fight against terrorism, says its foreign minister
Germany reaffirmed its strong support and solidarity in the fight against terrorism, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told an Indian Parliamentary delegation that outlined New Delhi's resolve to not give in to nuclear blackmail by Pakistan. As the delegation visited the European country, it conveyed to German political and diplomatic leadership India's unwavering united stand for zero-tolerance for terrorism, especially in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, on Friday evening called on Minister Wadephul. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 Of These Questions Correctly IQ International "Building on his recent meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Wadephul condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed Germany's strong support and solidarity with India, in the fight against terrorism," said a post on X by the Indian Embassy here. Both sides "discussed ways to further strengthen & deepen multi-faceted India-Germany Strategic Partnership and reiterated their commitment to a rule-based international order, based on shared democratic values," it added. Live Events "We underscored the significant threat terrorism poses to democracy, humanity, and human rights, and expressed grave concern over Pakistan-sponsored terrorism," Prasad said on X after the meeting. "Emphasizing the need for collective action, we stressed that democratic nations must unite to counter this menace." The discussions also focused on enhancing and deepening the multifaceted India-Germany Strategic Partnership, built on a shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order rooted in democratic values, he added. The delegation had earlier interacted with key members of German Bundestag (MdBs) in charge of foreign and security policy, such as Jurgen Hardt, Foreign Policy Spokesperson of CDU, and Tilman Kuban, as well as leading think-tanks in Germany. "They emphasised India's message of zero-tolerance against terrorism. The delegation conveyed that India's response to Pahalgam terrorist attack had been precise, measured and non-escalatory. They also explained India's clear position that there is no differentiation between terrorists and those who aid or shelter them," the Indian Embassy said. Earlier in the day, the delegation met the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Parliament 'Bundestag', Armin Laschet, and lawmakers Ralph Brinkhaus and Hubertus Heil here. "Grateful for today's exchange with the Indian All-Party Parliamentary Delegation. Germany and India share a trusted partnership, especially on global security. We also discussed the brutal 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam. I'm deeply shocked. Germany stands with India in the fight against terrorism," Laschet said. "Now it's vital the ceasefire holds and dialogue continues. Peace serves us all," he said in a post on X. The delegation leaders "noted momentum in India-German Strategic Partnership and joint role in ensuring global Peace and Security," the Embassy of India said in a post on X. The Indian team also held a productive interaction with Omid Nouripour, Vice President of the German Parliament, and deeply appreciated Berlin's strong and unequivocal support for India's principled stand against terrorism. "They conveyed India's firm response to Pahalgam terror attack and briefed about #OperationSindoor, reiterating the country's zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the India mission said. The delegation arrived here on Thursday from Belgium to convey India's stance. India's Ambassador to Germany Ajit Gupte welcomed the delegation and briefed its members on India-Germany ties, with a focus on expanding strategic partnership and growing cooperation in trade and investment, defence, S&T and mobility. A statement from the Indian Embassy here said that the delegation interacted with senior members of German Parliament (Bundestag) active in the fields of foreign policy and international affairs and a leading think-tank in Germany, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) on day one. Ending the day's engagements, the delegation also had an interaction with representatives from leading German think-tanks and eminent personalities at a reception hosted by Ambassador Gupte, the statement said. The delegation includes MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Amar Singh, Samik Bhattacharya, M Thambidurai and former minister of state M J Akbar and former diplomat Pankaj Saran. The delegation is one of the seven multi-party delegations India has tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community to emphasise Pakistan's links to terrorism. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The on-ground hostilities from Indian and Pakistan sides that lasted for four days ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10.
