“Please obey the 60 per cent Karnataka board’s order. We are committed to protecting the citizens of the state.” – DK Shivakumar

On Wednesday, members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedika, a pro-Kannada activist group, were detained after they destroyed some stores in Bangalore asking Kannada nameplates to be put up as per the guidelines issued by the civic authorities. Karnataka Rakshana Vedika President TN Narayan Gowda said that his organisation spearheaded an awareness protest rally about the 60% Kannada on the signboard rule which is now government law.

#WATCH | Karnataka Deputy CM & State Congress chief DK Shivakumar says, "In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest. We can't tolerate anyone taking the law into their hands. I am disturbed that they (pro-Kannada protesters) vandalised boards & establishments etc. Please… pic.twitter.com/P6JtHTsXmg

— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2023

What is the logic behind the 60% Kannada rule?

Bangalore businesses are facing a looming deadline as the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike mandates that all commercial establishments display 60% of their signage in Kannada. Non-compliance by the February 28 deadline could result in the closure of shops and the cancellation of trade licences. While The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry reassures that authorities will refrain from taking action before the deadline, they emphasise the need for businesses to adhere to the rule. Additionally, a significant number of establishments were reportedly unaware that the 60% Kannada requirement is a BBMP regulation rather than a demand from fringe organisations.

Also Read: The Language Wars in Karnataka

Sidharamiah warns of action against miscreants

After the rampage of the pro-Kannada protestors, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “I don’t know what the protestors are doing. I have got the information that Narayan Gowda is protesting having Kannada name boards. We will take action against those who took the law into their hands and went against the law.”

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV)'s rally to raise awareness about the 60% Kannada mandate on signboards took a violent turn when they vandalised the English display boards of many stores on Vittal Mallya Road on Wednesday. Source: CCTV footage from Pernia's store. @DeccanHerald pic.twitter.com/4t7PiPISi2

— Udbhavi Balakrishna (@bhavibee) December 27, 2023

DK Shivakumar urges compliance with the 60% Kannada order

After the protest, Karnataka Deputy CM and State Congress Chief DK Shivakumar said, “In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest. We can’t tolerate anyone taking the law into their hands. I am disturbed that the pro-Kannada protestors vandalised boards and establishments etc. Please obey the government’s 60% Kannada border order. We are committed to protecting the citizens of the state.”

The 60% Kannada rule in Karnataka stands at the intersection of cultural preservation and civic order. While the guideline is designed to celebrate and safeguard the Kannada language, recent events underscore the challenges of enforcing such measures without sparking social unrest. Striking a balance between linguistic identity and civic harmony requires effective communication, public awareness, and a commitment from both authorities and citizens to uphold the rule within the bounds of the law. As the deadline approaches, the hope is for a resolution that respects both cultural values and the principles of democratic governance.