'Bengaluru is hell': Odia hotelier threatened by Kannada man, disturbing video goes viral

The Kannada language row is getting worse each passing day in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru, a city that was once known for its multicultural population. While learning the local language and respecting the local culture is commendable, forcing outsiders to give up their language and culture is highly condemnable.

Amidst the row, a video of a Kannada man threatening a local businessman to remove the nameplate of an Odia restaurant has triggered outrage online. Although the restaurant already has a Kannada signboard, the man argues that he will not allow signboards in Odia or any other language in Bengaluru.

The restaurant already has a Kannada signboard. Why can’t they have Odia or any other Indian language too? Maybe it’s just a marketing strategy! They’re not harming anyone.@siddaramaiah@DKShivakumar, this is not how you build a global city!
pic.twitter.com/0tPTCO7gru

— Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru (@east_bengaluru) February 27, 2025

Viral Video Ignites Row:

The 1:11 minute video has gone viral on X (formerly known as Twittter), further igniting the outrage. The video begins with the Kannada man arriving in a car in front of the restaurant and asking, “Are you a voter? What is this style of voting?”

In reply, the restaurant owner tries to explain to him and says, “This is in the style of Odisha. The board that has been placed here belongs to Odisha. I have put saying these for Odia people. 90% of the food served here is for Orissa people, so we have put up the name plate.”

However, the man threatens again and says, “In Karnataka, we should give our first priority to Kannada people. Have you seen any other state people put boards in our language? That language is not allowed here. Just remove that. I will come back after one week.”

Social Media Reaction:

The video has garnered attention online and has triggered outrage not only among Odias but also other Indians.

“As a proud Kannadiga, I just want to ask—who gave him the authority to decide which language is needed or not?” shared a user.

Another user shared, “Hooligans are spoiling Karnataka’s image. Police and Govt have become mute spectators.”

“This is ridiculous. They come in some car, dictate terms? Not government... So gundas. The requirement is Kannada has to be there, which is first on the board. If they put an Odisja board for those who come here from Odisha but don't know Hindi or Kannada, what's the issue??” shared another user.