Learn Hindi or quit: Remark by Zomato supervisor in Bengaluru triggers backlash

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Oct 7, 2026: A Zomato warehouse supervisor in Bengaluru has faced criticism from pro-Kannada organisations after allegedly telling Kannada-speaking workers to learn Hindi or leave their jobs.

The incident, reported from a warehouse near Madanayakanahalli in north Bengaluru, came to light after a video of the supervisor, identified as Ashok, circulated on social media.

In the video, he is heard telling workers that he would communicate only in Hindi and that those unwilling to learn the language could leave their jobs.

The remarks drew strong reactions from pro-Kannada organisations, which accused the supervisor of disrespecting local employees and demanded action against him. Members of the organisations visited the warehouse following media reports and confronted the management, seeking action.

Amid the backlash, Ashok later apologised in Kannada in a video message.

“I apologise for what I said about Kannada. It was wrong and I will not repeat such a mistake in the future,” he said.