Depot manager gets ‘Kannadiga’ sticker removed from BMTC electric bus, Kannada activists seethe

BENGALURU: The manager of the BMTC’s depot 35 on Kanakapura road allegedly got the driver of an electric bus to remove a sticker with the word ‘Kannadiga’ which was stuck on the bus, sparking anger from Kannada activists.

It is alleged that depot manager Renukaiah got the sticker removed from an electric bus. Kannada activists condemned his behaviour and put the ‘Kannadiga’ sticker back on the bus and also on several other buses. The ‘Kannadiga’ sticker had been put on electric bus with registration KA 51 AK 7027.

Kannada activists went directly to the depot and confronted the manager. But he claimed to have no information about the sticker removal. Later, he allowed the use of the ‘Kannadiga’ sticker.

“How can gutka and tobacco ads be okay and why oppose the word ‘Kannadiga? Is BMTC against Kannada? By removing Kannada words, BMTC is following an anti-Kannada policy,” the activists vented their anger. They also said that the sticker was removed at another depot and added that Renukaiah did not have information about it.