Mass protests across Karnataka force South Western Railway to postpone recruitment exam; Siddaramaiah urges Narendra Modi to intervene
Bengaluru: A major controversy erupted in Karnataka after the Railway recruitment examination was abruptly postponed following widespread protests by pro-Kannada groups over the exclusion of Kannada language in the exam.
The agitation intensified across several districts, with demonstrators alleging systemic injustice against Kannadigas, eventually forcing the South Western Railway to defer the examination scheduled for Monday.
Railway Office Gheraoed, Exam Postponed
Tensions peaked in Hubballi, where protestors laid siege to the Railway recruitment office, demanding immediate inclusion of Kannada as an exam language.
Facing mounting pressure, railway authorities postponed the exams for 194 Goods Train Manager posts and 101 LDCE posts in the Hubballi division, triggering further political backlash.
CM Siddaramaiah Condemns Railway Move
Reacting strongly, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the Railway Department for its handling of the situation, calling the last-minute cancellation “irresponsible and unjust.”
“If the Railway Department had corrected its mistake earlier and allowed Kannada, this situation would not have arisen,” the CM said.
He further urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene immediately and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Kannada Language Row Sparks Outrage
Thousands of aspirants had already raised objections over not being allowed to write the exam in Kannada, accusing authorities of ignoring repeated appeals and peaceful protests.
The sudden cancellation, after days of agitation, has left candidates in uncertainty and distress, with many terming it a “failure of administrative planning.”
Allegations of Hindi Imposition
The controversy has once again reignited the debate over language imposition in central government exams. Protestors and leaders alleged that the preference for Hindi and English disadvantages regional language candidates.
Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna also came under criticism, with leaders accusing him of failing to safeguard Kannada interests despite representing the state.
“Injustice to Kannada and Kannadigas”
CM Siddaramaiah termed the issue as a larger pattern of discrimination, stating that Kannadigas have repeatedly faced challenges in central recruitment processes.
He emphasised that Karnataka was formed on linguistic identity, and any attempt to undermine regional languages would not be tolerated.
“Kannadigas are not begging for jobs. They are demanding their rightful opportunities in their own language,” he asserted.
Demand for Immediate Action
The Chief Minister has demanded that the cancelled exams be reconducted in Kannada, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates.
He also called for strict directions from the Prime Minister to prevent future exclusion of regional languages in recruitment processes.
