Hindi-only exams: Pro-Kannada bodies threaten rail roko across Karnataka

Bengaluru: Pro-Kannada activists have threatened to paralyse railway services across Karnataka, protesting the exclusion of Kannada in South Western Railway (SWR) departmental promotion exams.

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) issued a warning after it was revealed that exams for 73 posts, including office superintendent and senior clerk, are being conducted only in Hindi and English. Activists argue this violates the three-language formula and unfairly denies local employees career growth.

“If Kannada is not included immediately, we will stop every train entering or leaving the state,” a KRV leader warned, urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene. While the CM pointed to the Centre’s responsibility, the KRV has demanded a firm stand against linguistic injustice.

Parallelly, the Kannada Development Authority has written to the Transport Department seeking mandatory Kannada lessons for non-local cab and auto drivers to prevent frequent language-related altercations with passengers.