A group of farmers staged a protest in front of GT World Mall in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Wednesday, alleging that an elderly farmer was denied entry to the mall because he was wearing a ‘dhoti’. The protest erupted after a video surfaced online showing a dhoti- and turban-clad elderly man being stopped by security at the mall. The incident allegedly occurred on Tuesday. The video showed the elderly man standing outside the mall with his son, who could be heard recounting the ordeal and displaying footage of the security personnel denying them entry. Reports suggest that the father and son had tickets booked for a movie. According to reports, the security personnel allegedly asked the elderly man to change into pants to enter the mall. The elderly man, in his traditional attire, explained to the personnel that he could not change clothes as they were traveling. However, the mall supervisor maintained that it was a strict managerial policy, as reported by News 18.
The incident sparked widespread criticism, with many condemning the mall’s actions and highlighting the issue of cultural sensitivity. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla lashed out at the Congress-led Karnataka government, accusing them of allowing such incidents to occur. He questioned the government’s stance on cultural attire and pointed out the irony of the Karnataka Chief Minister wearing a ‘dhoti’ while farmers were being denied entry to a mall for wearing the same attire. Poonawalla also criticized the government’s recent move to reserve jobs in the private sector for Kannadigas, calling it a betrayal of farmers and highlighting the rising fuel prices.
The incident comes amidst the Congress government in Karnataka facing criticism for its controversial move to reserve jobs for Kannadigas in the private sector. The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, passed by the state cabinet, mandates that private firms reserve jobs for Kannadigas in their establishments. The bill is scheduled to be tabled in the Assembly on Thursday. However, industry veterans have objected to the proposed quota, labeling it ‘fascist,’ and ‘short-sighted.’ The incident at the GT World Mall has further fueled the debate around cultural sensitivity and the government’s policies, raising concerns about discrimination and social inclusivity.
