Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Sunday that the state government would take appropriate action if private institutions were found deliberately sidelining Kannadigas in job opportunities.
In a post on 'X', Shivakumar said the government had taken concerns about Kannadigas being overlooked seriously and asserted that their rights, dignity, and opportunities would not be compromised.
"It is disheartening to hear complaints that Kannadigas are being denied job opportunities in Bengaluru's IT companies. The government has taken seriously the issue of native Kannada speakers being sidelined," he said.
"In Karnataka, the Kannadiga is sovereign. The government will not allow the rights, dignity, and opportunities of Kannadigas to be disregarded for any reason," he said.
Noting that Bengaluru was recognised globally as India's technology capital, he said the state took immense pride in the talent, skills and capabilities of Kannadigas.
"If it is found that any private institution has deliberately sidelined Kannadigas, the government will take appropriate action," he said.
He emphasised that the government remained committed to addressing concerns relating to the interests of Kannadigas.