RCB's new 'X' page sparks massive Hindi-Kannada controversy

Bengaluru:

Royal Challengers Bangalore is coming under fire for launching a Hindi account on X, with a section of social media users accusing the IPL franchise of imposing Hindi on Kannada speakers. However, another section of fans defended the move, saying that RCB has a global fan base and the Hindi account caters to the team's diverse supporters.

RCB, which has English and Kannada accounts on X, launched a Hindi account on Sunday. It currently has more than 2,500 followers. Its first post contained a video in which top RCB cricketer Virat Kohli shares his happiness at being retained by the franchise in a Hindi message. The caption of the post said that RCB videos are now available in Hindi as well.

In the comments section, many users criticized the IPL franchise for launching the Hindi handle. While some said it insulted Kannada culture, others asked RCB to move to North India. Some users said that RCB should remove Bengaluru from its name, while others questioned why the Hindi account was needed.

However, another section of fans welcomed the move and said that some people are trying to divide the fans. Some said that Hindi is widely used throughout the country and the move brings RCB closer to Hindi-speaking fans.

The hatred against RCB is the latest in the ongoing language controversy in Karnataka where local Kannada speakers are protesting against efforts to impose Hindi. On the other hand, Hindi speakers have complained of linguistic harassment in Bengaluru, with several social media posts claiming that auto-rickshaw drivers would insist that they speak in Kannada.

Earlier this year, the Bengaluru civic body asked all shopkeepers to ensure that signboards have at least 60 per cent Kannada content. Several shops were targeted by pro-Kannada activists, sparking massive outrage on social media.