SBI Officer’s Heated Argument with Customer Over Language Sparks Attention
An SBI officer’s refusal to speak Kannada with a customer in Karnataka has gone viral, sparking a wider debate on the use of regional languages in banks across India.
Author: Kalyani Mali
Published: May 21, 2025
A video capturing an exchange between a customer and a State Bank of India (SBI) officer in Karnataka has gone viral, leading to widespread discussions about language use in Banks. The officer’s refusal to speak Kannada, has drawn varied reactions from the public, bringing attention to ongoing discussions about the role of language in Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
Details of the Incident:
In the viral video, the SBI officer, as per local news outlets, at the Surya Nagar branch in Anekal Taluk, Karnataka, is seen responding to a customer's request to converse in Kannada by stating, "This is India, I'll speak Hindi”. The customer's insistence on using the state's official language was met with the officer's firm refusal, leading to a heated exchange. The video has since been widely shared on social media platforms, sparking debates on linguistic preferences in public services.
Public Reactions on X
In response to the incident, many users on X (Formerly Twitter) expressed outrage and concern, sparking widespread discussion on language and respect in public service.
Image: Widespread reactions on X
Reactions from State Authorities:
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the official's remarks, emphasizing the importance of respecting Kannada in official and public service interactions. He labeled the behavior as "strongly condemnable" and highlighted the need for linguistic sensitivity in public services.
Image:Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s comment on SBI officer's language conduct
Source: @siddaramaiah
Besides Karnataka Chief Minister, South Bengaluru Lok Sabha MP Tejasvi Surya also commented on the issue, posting a critical remark on X. He wrote, “This behaviour by @TheOfficialSBI Branch Manager is simply not acceptable. If you are doing customer interface work in Karnataka, especially in a sector like banking , it is important to communicate to customers in the language they know. Being adamant like this is simply not right. I have time and again raised this issue of mandatorily posting local staff or staff who know the local language in banking operations, both inside and outside Parliament.”
Image: Tweet of South Bengaluru M.P, Tejasvi Surya on the SBI language issue
SBI Addresses Concern
Following the public outcry, the State Bank of India addressed the issue by responding to a X user. The bank expressed concern over the incident at its Surya Nagar branch in South Bengaluru and affirmed its commitment to zero tolerance for conduct that disrespects customers.
Image: SBI replies to a X user on the issue
Source: @TheOfficialSBI
Language Tensions in Banking Sector
Language-related tensions in the banking sector are not unique to Karnataka. Similar issues have surfaced in Maharashtra, where Campaigns encouraging the use of a regional language in banks have led to disagreements among staff, raising concerns about communication and workplace balance.
Read more about the incident here:
Speak Marathi or Leave Maharashtra: Bankers Targeted in Language War
MNS Campaign Turns Aggressive: How the Attack on Bankers Unfolded Across Maharashtra
The incident at SBI's Surya Nagar branch has reignited national discussions around language inclusivity and regional representation in PSB’s.
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