In the face of increasing instances of language-related altercations in Karnataka, a Delhi-based influencer has issued a public call encouraging job aspirants to look towards the capital city as a more cosmopolitan option for employment.
Madhur, who is famous on the internet as @ThePlacardGuy, posted a picture of an autorickshaw in Karnataka with a threatening message for non-Kannada people. The placard displayed the following message: “You are in Karnataka, learn Kannada. Don’t show your attitude, you f**r. You come to beg here.”
In response to the message, Madhur posted on social media, “I’m saying it again, come to Delhi, and don’t use Hindi if you don’t know or wish, use English or sign language or whatever suits.” He pointed out that newcomers would not be imposed on in language in Delhi, as has been reportedly done to some migrants in Karnataka.
He also went on to say, “And of course nobody will tell you that you have come to Delhi and begged. We understand if you came to Delhi for work, it is because Delhiwallas were not competent enough for this work; therefore, somebody who was more competent at this job than a Delhiite got this work/started this business. No resentment for not speaking Hindi, welcome!”
I’m once again saying, Come to Delhi, and don’t speak in Hindi if you don’t know/want, speak in English or sign language or whatever convenient. Nobody will be rude to you for not talking in Hindi. And certainly nobody would tell you that you came to delhi to beg. We know if you… pic.twitter.com/JeDvtiYgDS
— Madhur (@ThePlacardGuy) May 21, 2025
The influencer also highlighted the mutual economic benefits of migration, pointing out that people coming to Delhi help sustain local livelihoods. “It’s not Delhi who’s giving you employment, bread, money, it’s two-way. You’re giving jobs to Delhiites also, the cabbies, sabzi walas, delivery boys, the owner of your house, everybody is earning their living due to you. So, we’re grateful that you decided to come to Delhi. Enjoy your stay here! Cheers,” he finished.
Madhur’s post gained a lot of mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with his universal message while others opposed his views.
This follows the outbreak of a viral video in which a State Bank of India staff member at Bengaluru was heard engaged in a heated argument with a customer on grounds of language. The refusal by the official to communicate in Kannada was termed “strongly condemnable” by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The SBI branch manager was later transferred from the office.
