From 'You come to beg here' to 'demanding higher fare': Bengaluru auto drivers' behaviours spark debate

A series of viral incidents in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru, over language use, especially between locals and non-Kannada speakers, have been surfacing frequently. Here we bring some recent incidents of Bengaluru auto drivers that have sparked debate online.

'Don'tshowattitude, youcometobeghere...'

A couple of weeks ago, a Delhi-based content creator Madhur (@ThePlacardGuy) shared an image showing the backside of an auto-rickshaw with a message reading, "You are in Karnataka, learn Kannada. Don’t show your attitude, you f*\*\**r. You come to beg here"

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Sharing the image, he urged migrants to consider Delhi instead. He also claimed, “no one imposes language rules,” and welcomed non-Hindi speakers, stating Delhi thrives because skilled outsiders bring value, create jobs, and boost the economy. “You’re not just earning here — you’re helping Delhiites earn too,” he wrote.

I’m once again saying, Come to Delhi, and don’t speak in Hindi if you don’t know/want, speak in English or sign language or whatever convenient. Nobody will be rude to you for not talking in Hindi. And certainly nobody would tell you that you came to delhi to beg. We know if you… pic.twitter.com/JeDvtiYgDS

— Madhur (@ThePlacardGuy) May 21, 2025

Soon after sharing, the post went viral on social media, sparking a debate among users. While some supported Madhur’s open message, others defended local language pride.

Disputedfarespiralsintolanguageconfrontation

Adding fuel to the fire, recently, another video has gone viral on social media, further intensifying the language debate. Surprisingly, the incident of a disputed fare between an auto driver and a woman spiralled into a language confrontation.

Reportedly, a woman in Bengaluru confronted an autorickshaw driver for demanding Rs 390 instead of the Rs 290 shown on a ride app. The disagreement further escalated when the driver insisted she speak Kannada and questioned her use of Hindi. The woman, while trying to stay calm, responded that she’s learning Kannada and contributing to the city’s economy.

In the video, the woman is heard saying, "Why are you asking more than what Rapido is showing? Don’t scream at me. I’ll only pay what the app says. I’m scared."

Another Day Same kannada only saar Incident,

Auto driver threatens and bully a girl for not speaking in Kannada.

WHEN WILL THIS STOP? pic.twitter.com/DEyuZEDsWx

— Hindutva Vigilant (@VigilntHindutva) June 7, 2025

While she tries to stop another auto passing by to help and explain the situation, the original auto driver can be heard furiously telling her in Kannada, "Speak in Kannada. How can you use Hindi in Bengaluru? Speak the local language first.”

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These events have stirred strong opinions, revealing deepening divides over identity, migration, and language in the city.