Hindi Vs Kannada In SBI: Bank Official, Man Clash Over Language In Karnataka | WATCH

A viral video allegedly showing an SBI bank official in Karnataka and a customer has reignited the ongoing language debate.

In the footage, the customer insists the official should speak in Kannada, to which she responds that she will not use the local language.

Amid growing criticism, the woman later released an apology video.

An X user sharing the clip wrote: "WILL NOT SPEAK KANNADA IN KARNATAKA, NEVER, SPEAK IN HINDI. @TheOfficialSBI Branch manager SBI, Surya Nagara, Anekal Taluk KARNATAKA. Your Branch manager and staff disrespect the Kannada language, imposing Hindi on people of Karnataka, misbehaving with customers, on duty times, not giving service, violated or not following. @RBI rules and guidelines. I urge take action immediately. @nsitharaman."

In the original video, the customer can be heard saying, "This is Karnataka, ma'am," to which the official replies, "This is India."

She adds, "I will not speak Kannada first," and explains that her mother tongue is Hindi.

What did she say in her apology?

In a follow-up video, the bank official appears speaking Kannada with assistance from colleagues.

She says, "If I have hurt anyone, I sincerely apologise. I will try to cooperate and conduct my business in Kannada going forward."

What triggered the Kannada language controversy?

The controversy was sparked by a social media post warning that "outsiders in Bengaluru" should learn Kannada. The post drew widespread responses online, with people taking contrasting positions.

While many supported the use of Kannada in Karnataka, others contended that it is unrealistic to expect individuals to learn every regional language across India.

The incident further fuelled a broader debate on social media, leading to heated exchanges over the divide between North and South India.