Sameer Nigam, the CEO of digital payments app PhonePe, has offered an “unconditional apology” to the people of Karnataka, as a section of Kannadigas continued uninstalling the app protesting over his comments criticising the now-stalled job quota for locals.
Four days after Nigam angered Kannadigas with two messages on X, he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by PhonePe that was shared late Sunday on the company’s social media handle: “I would first and foremost like to clarify that it was NEVER my intention to insult Karnataka and its people. If my comments hurt anyone’s sentiments in such a way, I am truly sorry and would like to offer you an unconditional apology.”
Nigam further said he stood for maintaining linguistic diversity in the country, something that pro-Kannada organisations have been demanding for decades.
“I have the highest regard for Kannada and all other Indian languages. In fact, I truly believe that linguistic diversity and rich cultural heritage is a national asset that all Indians should be proud of and all Indians should be respectful of and celebrate local and cultural norms,” Nigam stated.
The apology followed a sustained #BoycottPhonePe campaign that saw many users uninstalling the app. Kannada media channels reported that superstar and PhonePe brand ambassador Kichcha Sudeep had also taken umbrage at Nigam’s comments.
Many, however, found holes even in the apology. Congress spokesperson Lavanya Ball Jain questioned why Nigam didn’t use his own X handle to issue the apology.
