Bangaluru: Pro-Kannada activists destroy English signboards

Protests demanding the implementation of 60 per cent Kannada in all signboards in Bengaluru city turned to vandalism in many parts of the city on Wednesday. Several boards were defaced during a procession by Karnataka Rakshna Vedike (KRV). It launched a protest demanding that all businesses fulfil the government's 60 percent Kannada nameplates obligation. The "public awareness protest", organised under the leadership of KRV state president TA Narayan Gowda, reportedly turned violent as some activists vandalised signboards written in English.Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike broke flower pots outside the Mall of Asia in Bengaluru. They also broke signboards written in English and sprayed black ink on some of them.

VIDEO | Members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike tear down posters in English on Bengaluru streets, warning commercial establishments to install billboards in Kannada. pic.twitter.com/LVQUUVj2DV

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

The procession was taken out after the pro-Kannada outfit had set a December 27 deadline for all establishments in Bengaluru to implement the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) order mandating 60 per cent Kannada in signage across the city. The order is based on BBMP Outdoor Signage and Public Messaging Bye-laws, 2018.The protesters vandalised the signboard of the multi-city hotel chain Bloom, which did not have Kannada in it. They were also seen entering the hotel premises chanting pro-Kannada slogans. In Chikkajala, pro-Kannada workers defaced and removed many signboards. Protesters spray painting some boards were shared on social media platforms. They were also seen tearing up large flexes installed along the airport road.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Kannada Raksha Vedhike holds a protest demanding all businesses and enterprises in Karnataka to put nameplates in Kannada. pic.twitter.com/ZMX5s9iJd0

— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023

Recently, Tushar Giri Nath, chief commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), said all commercial stores will have to install 60 percent of nameplates and signboards in Kannada. Those failing to do so will attract legal action starting February 28.

(Dr Mysi Patil, State Correspondent)