The controversy surrounding job quotas for locals in Karnataka has taken an unexpected turn, with sections of Kannadigas boycotting digital payments app PhonePe in response to the remarks made by its CEO, Sameer Nigam, perceived as disrespectful towards the state and its language.
Following Nigam’s comments on July 17, where he criticised the now-stalled draft bill aimed at reserving jobs for locals, hundreds of social media users have uninstalled the app and joined the #BoycottPhonePe campaign, which has quickly gained traction online.
“Karnataka <> only Kannada speaking people. Get it?” Nigam had posted on X late on July 17, in what seems to have angered Kannadigas and those who support the bill.
In tech language <> means “not equal”. Nigam meant that Karnataka is not equal to Kannada-speaking people, a statement that offended Kannadigas.
Nigam said: “I can work wherever I want in India. I can learn any language that I want to. The Constitution of India gives me these rights. IT’S MY CHOICE. Get the hue and cry.”
In an earlier message on X, Nigam termed the draft bill and its idea a “shame”.
“I am 46 years old. Never lived in a state for 15+ yrs. My father worked in the Indian Navy. Got posted all over the country. His kids don’t deserve jobs in Karnataka? I build companies. Have created 25000+ jobs across India! My kids don’t deserve jobs in their home city? Shame.”
His remarks have stirred a backlash, with Kannadigas and language activists interpreting them as an insult to their cultural identity and the state’s interests.
“The same Constitution gives me the power to protect the language and heritage of my land through laws passed in Parliament. Get it? So, better follow the law of the land or pay the penalty. IT’S THE LAW OF THE LAND. Get the hue and cry,” commented an X user with a handle named Kannadiga.
“I can use any payment app that I want to. The Constitution of India gives me these rights. IT’S MY CHOICE,” commented Sheshadri D.B.
A person named Arjun commented: “Hi all Kannadigas, this guy... is openly against Kannadigas and interests of Karnataka. Please uninstall PhonePe in your mobiles and try to use GooglePay or any other apps of your choice.”
