Bengaluru IT firms rejecting Kannada speakers? DK Shivakumar issues stern warning

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday warned private companies of government action if they were found deliberately denying employment opportunities to Kannadigas, following the circulation of a viral video alleging discrimination against Kannada-speaking candidates during recruitment by Bengaluru-based IT firms.

The controversy erupted after a young woman claimed in a video shared widely on social media that several IT companies in the city were rejecting job applicants who identified Kannada as their mother tongue, while allegedly favouring candidates from neighbouring states.

Responding to the allegations, Shivakumar asserted that the Karnataka government would not tolerate discrimination against local job seekers.

"If it is found that any private institution has deliberately sidelined Kannadigas, the government will take appropriate action," he said in a post on X.

Emphasising the importance of protecting employment opportunities for Kannada-speaking residents, he added, "In Karnataka, the Kannadiga is sovereign. The government will not allow the rights, dignity, and opportunities of Kannadigas to be disregarded for any reason."

Shivakumar also highlighted Bengaluru's position as a major global technology hub and praised the skills and capabilities of the state's workforce.

"The world sees Bengaluru as India's technology capital, and we take immense pride in the talent, skills, and capabilities of our Kannadigas," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the government, as "the voice of Kannadiga interests", remained committed to addressing concerns raised by local job seekers.

Viral video alleges discrimination against Kannada speakers

The issue gained attention after a woman alleged that candidates mentioning Kannada as their mother tongue were being rejected either during the initial shortlisting process or at the interview stage.

She claimed that some Bengaluru-based IT companies were instead recruiting Telugu- and Tamil-speaking candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, allegedly because they were willing to accept lower salaries.

The woman also raised concerns about recruitment opportunities for students graduating from colleges in Bengaluru.

"Campus interviews are not being conducted in Bengaluru colleges," she alleged.

Appealing to the state government to intervene, she urged Shivakumar, "Please provide a solution to this problem."

However, the allegations made in the viral video have not been independently verified, and no specific company has been officially identified as having engaged in discriminatory hiring practices.

Kannada activist questions government's response

Kannada activist Rupesh Rajanna, who shared the video on X, alleged that discrimination against local candidates had been occurring for a considerable period.

He claimed that the issue had already been brought to the attention of the Karnataka government but that adequate steps had not been taken to address it.

The latest controversy has revived discussions surrounding employment opportunities for Kannadigas in Bengaluru's expanding private sector, particularly in the information technology industry.

In 2024, the Karnataka Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah approved a draft bill proposing employment reservations for local candidates in private-sector establishments.

However, the proposal was subsequently put on hold following strong objections from industry bodies and business organisations.

BJP questions Congress government over job creation

The opposition BJP also weighed in on the controversy, questioning the Congress-led government's record on employment generation and demanding concrete measures to improve job opportunities for Kannadigas.

BJP spokesperson Ashok Gowda said Shivakumar should explain what steps the government had taken to encourage private-sector employment for local candidates.

"We are not asking for government jobs per se, but in the private sector, to create new jobs wherein Kannadigas will be encouraged, what kind of actions have been taken?" he asked.

Gowda argued that the government's responsibility extended beyond introducing regulations for existing employment opportunities.

"Of course, there can be rules which can be formulated, but to increase jobs, what kind of a role is being played by the government?" he said.

The BJP spokesperson called on Shivakumar to provide specific details about the government's initiatives to generate employment and ensure greater participation of Kannadigas in the private sector.