Mysuru: Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna reprimanded several senior Railway officials for their inability to speak Kannada, despite having served in Mysuru for three to four years.

During a review of projects initiated by SWR, senior officers presented their updates in Hindi. Somanna expressed his dissatisfaction with this practice. “Why can’t you speak in Kannada? I did not know a single word of Hindi before I was appointed Minister, but I am learning it with special interest and efforts. You have been in Mysuru for two to three years and still do not know any Kannada,” he said.

The Minister, demonstrating his command of Hindi, chided the officers, who remained silent and did not respond. Somanna continued, “If you pay Rs. 3, you can get Kannada learning books. At least make an effort to speak the local language. You must have the interest and willingness to do so.”