DK Shivakumar's big warning to B'luru IT firms over sidelining Kannadiga candidates

"If it is found that any private institution has deliberately sidelined Kannadigas, the government will take appropriate action," he said.

NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar has warned that the state government will take action against IT companies found to be deliberately sidelining Kannadigas in job opportunities. In a post on X on Sunday, Shivakumar said the government had taken the issue seriously and would not allow the rights, dignity and employment opportunities of Kannadigas to be disregarded.

"It is disheartening to hear complaints that Kannadigas are being denied job opportunities in Bengaluru's IT companies. The government has taken seriously the issue of native Kannada speakers being sidelined," Shivakumar wrote. Emphasising the state's commitment to protecting local interests, he said, "In Karnataka, the Kannadiga is sovereign. The government will not allow the rights, dignity, and opportunities of Kannadigas to be disregarded for any reason."

Shivakumar also highlighted Bengaluru's position as a global technology centre, saying the state took pride in the capabilities and talent of its local workforce. He warned that companies found to be deliberately discriminating against Kannadiga candidates could face government action.

"If it is found that any private institution has deliberately sidelined Kannadigas, the government will take appropriate action," he said. Reiterating the government's position, Shivakumar added, "As the voice of Kannadiga interests, the government is always committed to responding to their concerns."

The warning after a video of a young woman alleging discrimination against Kannada speakers had gone viral on social media. In the video, she claims that IT companies prefer Telugu and Tamil speakers while allegedly rejecting candidates whose resumes mention Kannada.