A viral Instagram video has sparked a debate over the language issue in Bengaluru. The video shows a few auto-rickshaw drivers reportedly charging a higher fare to a Hindi-speaking woman than to a Kannada-speaking passenger.
This has raised concerns about unfair pricing and language bias in the city.
The video starts with two women trying to hail auto-rickshaws. One speaks in Hindi, and the other speaks in Kannada. In one part of the video, a driver refuses the Hindi-speaking woman but accepts the ride from the Kannada-speaking woman.
Another driver initially asks for Rs 300 from the Hindi-speaking woman but lowers the fare to Rs 200 when she asks in Kannada. A third driver ignores the Hindi speaker but agrees to take the Kannada speaker.
Reactions on social media were mixed. Some people criticised the behaviour of the drivers, while others pointed out the challenges auto-drivers face, like rising fuel prices and lack of fare regulation.
Many users also stressed the importance of respecting local languages and cultures, saying that language should not be a reason for unfair treatment.
One user commented, "We are all Indians first, but we should respect every culture and every language, so non-Kannadigas should learn Kannada." Another wrote, "Why do people glorify regional differences and discrimination without any shame?"
A third user said, "The meter is a showpiece? Thank God in Mumbai, autos run on a meter, no matter if it’s Hindi or Marathi."
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