Student's Remark on Karnataka Minister's Kannada Skills Sparks Controversy

A student’s remark questioning Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa’s Kannada skills has sparked a political controversy. Bangarappa called the comment “stupid” and urged action, while the BJP accused him of arrogance and intolerance, highlighting his previous admission of limited Kannada proficiency.

A remark by a student alleging that Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa lacks proficiency in Kannada has ignited a political row. The incident occurred during the launch of a free online coaching program for engineering and medical entrance exams, where Bangarappa was interacting with students via videoconferencing.

In the viral video, a student claimed that the minister did not know Kannada, prompting an immediate and sharp reaction. Speaking in Kannada, Bangarappa labeled the comment “stupid” and directed officials to take disciplinary action against the student. “Whoever said I don't know Kannada, record it and take action. This is very stupid. He should be ashamed,” he declared, urging teachers and education officers to address the issue seriously.

The controversy quickly escalated as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government. BJP leaders, including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, accused Bangarappa of arrogance and intolerance toward criticism. Joshi pointed out that Bangarappa had previously acknowledged his limited Kannada skills and questioned why the student was being penalized for highlighting this.

The BJP’s Karnataka unit also posted a cartoon mocking the minister, accusing him of contradicting his earlier call for students to ask questions boldly. Joshi further asserted that Kannadigas would not forgive disrespect toward their language and denounced the government’s actions as authoritarian.

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This incident underscores heightened political sensitivities around language and governance in Karnataka, with the Opposition leveraging it to challenge the ruling Congress on issues of accountability and respect for cultural identity.