'Bro ended language war': From Kannada to Hindi, Bengaluru residents stage multilingual protest, demand tax refund over shoddy infra

Residents of Bengaluru’s Balagere area staged a unique and peaceful protest this week, demanding accountability from government officials over the city’s deteriorating infrastructure. With chronic traffic congestion, crumbling roads, and persistent delays in development projects, frustrated locals gathered to voice their concerns, calling either for genuine improvements or a refund of their hard-earned tax money.

Protestors held up placards reading, “Refund our taxes, we will build our city.” The demonstration drew attention not only for its message but also for its inclusivity. Participants expressed their demands in multiple languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and English, highlighting that their protest transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries. Their central demand was for functional, dignified civic infrastructure and the responsible use of public funds.

The video of the protest quickly circulated on social media, garnering widespread attention. “Bro destroyed language debate, raised real debate,” one user commented. Another added, “This should be done all over India! No service, no tax.”

Protestors voiced their frustration over the lack of visible progress in their neighbourhoods, where roads remain unpaved, footpaths are damaged, and daily commutes have become increasingly difficult. Frequent traffic jams and slow-moving construction work have compounded residents’ hardships, leading many to accuse authorities of apathy and neglecting their basic civic rights.

Despite the intensity of their demands, the protest remained peaceful. It served both as a statement and a plea for change, reminding authorities that Bengaluru’s citizens expect tangible returns on their investment in the city’s development.

Inputs from agencies