'RIP Bengaluru tech scene': Founder eyes Chennai after Karnataka cabinet approves job quota

As the comment blew up on the internet, the founder shared another post a few hours later clarifying his stand. (Image credit: Grapevine)

The Karnataka government has been receiving severe backlash from industry leaders for approving a draft bill guaranteeing 50 percent reservation for locals in management jobs, 70 percent in non-management categories. Several business leaders have strongly criticised the move. Joining them is one anonymous start-up founder whose comment on the social media platform, Grapevine, has gone viral for pointing out that the "Kannada only" sign would be Bengaluru's knell as a tech leader.

In a self-professed rant, user Informal Tool, who hails from Chennai and spent 10 years building his business in Bengaluru, said the recent government's decision might make them consider moving his business to Chennai.

"Global tech giants aren't here for our dosas. It's the diverse talent pool, genius. Now you want to slap a "Kannada Only" sign on it?" he wrote.  "We're already bleeding talent to Hyderabad and Pune. This? This is handing them our workforce gift-wrapped. I've spent a decade building my company here. Now I am eyeing Chennai."

"RIP Bangalore tech scene, 1990-2024. Cause of death: linguistic chauvinism and political myopia," he added.

This comment from a BLR founder becomes the fastest comment to reach 200 likes pic.twitter.com/aNqCH1NLyo

— Saumil Heard It (@OnTheGrapevine) July 17, 2024

As the comment on a news discussion board blew up on the internet, the founder shared another post a few hours later clarifying his stand.

"Let me make one thing clear, I actually identify myself more with Bengaluru than with my hometown Chennai--this city has given me and my family everything we have. Me, my wife and kids everyone is fluent in Kannada, that being said, I am 100 percent against imposition of a language on anyone--be it Hindi on Kannadigas or Kannada on 'immigrants'," he said.

The founder also said that his first message post had also led to hateful DMs as well asking him to leave. "I actually also might but that will only be limited to moving my business. Bengaluru was home, will always stay as my home."

After backlash, Karnataka puts job quota-for-locals bill on hold

Meanwhile, after the backlash, the Karnataka government announced on Wednesday that they have decided to delay implementing the bill.

"The bill intended to implement reservation for Kannadigas in private sector institutions, industries and enterprises is still in the preparation stage. A final decision will be taken after comprehensive discussion in the next cabinet meeting," said a statement from Chief Minister's office on July 17.