SBI branch staffer argues with customer, announces ‘I will never speak Kannada'
A State Bank of India (SBI) official's refusal to speak Kannada during an interaction with a customer has stirred controversy and drawn sharp public criticism in Karnataka. A video of the incident, which took place at the bank's Surya Nagar branch in Anekal taluk, shows the staffer arguing with a customer over the use of the local language.In the video, the official can also be heard asking the person recording the video, who is presumably the customer, if there is any rule that mandates her speaking Kannada. The argument quickly escalates where the customer can be heard repeatedly telling the officer to speak Kannada, at which point she walks away while declaring, 'I will never speak Kannada.'advertisementThe video was shared widely on social media platform X, where a user tagged the SBI and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alleging that the staff were imposing Hindi on customers, misbehaving, and failing to follow RBI guidelines during work hours.Following the backlash, SBI issued a public statement expressing regret over the incident. '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 said. It added that SBI follows a zero-tolerance policy toward behaviour that affects customer sentiment and remains committed to ensuring respectful conduct.The row has since escalated, with pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) announcing statewide protests. The group has accused the SBI Chandapura branch staff of repeatedly disrespecting Kannada-speaking customers and failing to offer basic services in the local language.advertisementOn May 21, KRV plans to hold two simultaneous protests at 11 am. The main protest march, led by hundreds of activists, will head to SBI's Head Office on St. Mark's Road in Bengaluru to submit a memorandum. Meanwhile, the KRV Women's Wing will stage a demonstration outside the Chandapura branch on Anekal Road.KRV state president TA Narayanagowda said it was a matter of linguistic respect and customer dignity.
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