Two days after Hindi signage in two metro stations were masked, there is still no clarity on who gave the order to do so.
On Monday, the police distanced themselves from the move to cover up Hindi signs at Kempegowda Interchange and Chickpete stations. In a statement, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M.N. Anucheth said, “I categorically state that we have not advised any such thing. Also, on our own initiative, we have deployed additional personnel in a few sensitive stations in the light of the development.”
BMRCL officials remained unavailable for comment.
The company approached the government for instructions after some organisations submitted a memorandum last week seeking the removal of Hindi signage from Namma Metro stations. However, no instruction has been issued as yet, sources said.
With Chief Minister Siddaramaiah speaking in favour, the demand is getting louder. The #NammaMetroHindiBeda campaign on Twitter wants the removal of Hindi signboards across the Metro network.
According to sources in the Kannada Development Authority (KDA), BMRCL is yet to respond to a notice issued on June 23 seeking an explanation within a week for the usage of Hindi in Namma Metro. KDA held that the usage was prima facie a violation of the law.
