Kannada Groups Vs Sonu Nigam Face-Off Continues: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Urges Bengaluru Police To Deny Nod For Oct 24 Event

Last Updated:October 14, 2026, 20:02 IST

The KRV has accused Nigam of insulting Kannadigas by allegedly comparing their linguistic pride to the Pahalgam terror attack

Sonu Nigam

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), led by state president TA Narayana Gowda, has urged the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to deny permission for singer Sonu Nigam’s concert scheduled for October 24 at 7 pm at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru.

The KRV has accused Nigam of insulting Kannadigas by allegedly comparing their linguistic pride to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The controversy dates back to April 2025, when, during a musical event at East Point College in Bengaluru, the singer allegedly made the remark, “Kannada, Kannada, Kannada, this is why the incident (terror attack) happened in Pahalgam”, in response to a student’s request to sing a Kannada song.

In its representation, the outfit said asking for a Kannada song was not an offence and alleged that linking the language sentiments of Kannadigas to a terrorist attack was irresponsible and an insult to their self-respect. It questioned whether expressing love for Kannada or requesting a song in the language could be equated with terrorism.

The KRV also pointed out that its Bengaluru city district unit president, Dharmaraj TA, had filed a complaint against the singer at Avalahalli Police Station on May 2, 2025, seeking legal action over the alleged remarks. The outfit said the controversy had caused considerable resentment among Kannadigas and urged the police to examine the status of the earlier complaint.

Warning that permitting the concert could intensify public anger and lead to protests, the organisation has demanded that the police deny permission or revoke it if already granted. It has also called for a review of potential law-and-order concerns and preventive measures to maintain public peace.

The KRV warned that it would organise protests across Karnataka if the concert is allowed to proceed, holding the authorities responsible for any escalation arising from the decision. The outfit has sought an urgent decision on its representation and a written response from the police regarding the action taken.

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Why is the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike opposing Sonu Nigam’s upcoming concert?

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike is urging the Bengaluru Police to deny permission for Sonu Nigam’s October 24 concert because the singer allegedly insulted Kannadigas by comparing their linguistic pride to the Pahalgam terror attack during an April 2025 event.

What remarks did Sonu Nigam allegedly make about the Kannada language?

During a musical event at East Point College in Bengaluru in April 2025, Sonu Nigam allegedly responded to a student’s request for a Kannada song by saying, “Kannada, Kannada, Kannada, this is why the incident (terror attack) happened in Pahalgam”.

What actions have Kannada groups taken regarding Sonu Nigam’s alleged remarks?

The Bengaluru city district unit president of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, Dharmaraj TA, filed a formal complaint against Sonu Nigam at the Avalahalli Police Station on May 2, 2025. Additionally, the outfit has warned that it will organize protests across Karnataka if the authorities allow the October 24 concert to proceed.

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Harish Upadhya

Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and R…Read More

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