Language Row
‘Learn Hindi or leave’: Zomato supervisor’s Bengaluru ‘diktat’ sparks row; staffer later apologises in Kannada
Bengaluru/IBNS: A Zomato staffer apologised after facing backlash over his alleged directive to team members to speak in Hindi, triggering a row over alleged language imposition, media reports said.
Supervisor asks staff to learn Hindi
A Zomato warehouse supervisor, identified as Ashok, was heard in a viral video telling team members that he would communicate with them only in Hindi and that those willing to work with him must learn the language.
Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Ashok reportedly told the staff that those who did not want to follow the instruction could leave, adding, “I don't care.”
When one of the team members reminded him that they were in Karnataka, Ashok remained firm on his stand.
"I don't know Kannada, i will only speak Hindi, go learn Hindi and come back or all of you kannada speaking employees can leave" Zomato warehouse Shift manager named Ashok who hails from Andhra tells other employees working there. Petition filed. https://t.co/m6q0QAGbaR
— Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) October 5, 2026
Police complaint, apology
The video sparked widespread backlash, with pro-Kannada activists demanding action against the supervisor.
A petition was submitted to the Madanayakanahalli police seeking action against Ashok.
Following a formal complaint, he was briefly taken into custody, according to media reports.
Ashok later apologised in Kannada amid the growing controversy.
The activists have also demanded his removal from the job and strict action against him.
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