'Karnataka Or Pakistan? Stop Imposing Hindi': Bengaluru Woman's Post On Swiggy Agent's Language Sparks Row

A recent post by a Bengaluru woman criticizing Swiggy’s delivery services has ignited a fiery debate about language preferences in Karnataka. The woman expressed her frustration on X (formerly known as Twitter), over the lack of Kannada-speaking delivery agents, which quickly became a hot topic online, gathering over 3 lakh views.

Language Dispute Over Swiggy Delivery Sparks Controversy

In her viral post, the woman shared a screenshot of her Swiggy order, pointing out the language barrier. She wrote: “Bengaluru is in Karnataka or Pakistan @swiggy? Your delivery guy neither speaks nor understands Kannada, nor even English. Do you expect us to learn his state language Hindi in our land? Stop imposing things on us and ensure your delivery persons know Kannada.”

Her remarks have brought the ongoing debate between insiders and outsiders in Karnataka back into focus, with many locals voicing their support for job opportunities that prioritize Kannada speakers.

Impact On Bengaluru’s Economic Ecosystem?

While the language debate rages on, concerns are being raised about its potential impact on Bengaluru’s economic landscape. One individual pointed out “Due to ongoing language tensions in Karnataka, reports suggest that 53 companies from Surat, Lucknow, and Indore have been approached to relocate, including 14 multinationals. This could significantly impact Bengaluru's startup culture and global presence. Will the city's tech hub status remain secure?”

Mixed Reactions On Social Media

The woman’s comments have sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms. Some users argued that it is impractical for delivery agents to be proficient in the local language. A user responded: “As long as the delivery is done on time, who cares about the linguistic skills of the delivery boy?” Others questioned the woman’s stance, with one user adding “Is Bengaluru in Karnataka or England? English wasn’t originally a cultural language here either.”

Debate On India’s Linguistic Diversity

Another user pointed out the broader issue of linguistic diversity in India, stating: “In India, the language changes every 50km, but no one is as rigid about their language as people are about Tamil and Kannada. All languages should be respected, given the diversity we have.”