Bengaluru protest: Activists demonstrate against Hindi signboards at metro stations

Protests were seen at some parts of Bengaluru following Hindi signboards at some of the metro stations in the state on Thursday. In protest, pro-Kannada activists blackened the boards. Metro stations including Yeshwanthpur, Rajajinagara, Jayanagara and Peenya saw a massive uproar by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists, police said.

The activists said that this is central government’s intentional attempt to impose Hindi language in the state of Karnataka. The campaign “Hindi Beda” (We don’t want Hindi) was launched by the agitators all over the social media.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru metro services resume after negotiations between workers, police

Centre’s three-language rule is being followed, the metro authorities said. It is to be noted that in a joint venture, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRC) shares the cost of running with the Centre. BMRC received a notice from the Kannada Development Authority regarding the matter.

Bengaluru Development and Town Planning Minister KJ George said, "We have taken a stand in favour of Kannada. I request them not to indulge in these kinds of things. When our chief minister himself is for Kannada, why are they doing all these things?" The protests won’t stop and will continue, the activists clarified.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru metro services stopped temporarily over arrest of employee