Kannadigas got outraged and uninstalled PhonePe following CEO Sameer Nigam's comments on the job quota bill. Social media users encouraged others to use GooglePay and started trending #BoycottPhonePe. Furious Kannadigas have accused the businessman of being "against the interests of Karnataka," with several posting images of themselves uninstalling the payment app.
"Hello, all Kannadigas. This guy is the Founder and CEO of PhonePe, and he openly opposed Kannadigas and Karnataka's interests. Please delete PhonePe from your mobile devices and try GooglePay or any other app of your choice" said one X user. "I've always chosen PhonePe over other UPI apps because of its Swadeshi origins. Sameer Nigam, Karnataka helped you mature. You came here to advance your career, not to better Bengaluru. Now is the time to say goodbye to PhonePe. #UninstallPhonePe #BoycottPhonePe", insisted another.
According to Mr Sameer Nigam, the Indian Constitution does not state that local languages should be disrespected. Nigam was outspoken in his opposition after the Karnataka government announced the job quota bill. "I'm 46 years old. Never resided in a state for more than 15 years. My father worked for the Indian Navy. Got posted all over the country. Are his children unqualified for jobs in Karnataka? I create companies. Have produced over 25000 employments across India! My children don't deserve work in their hometown?" he had inquired.
Meanwhile, members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike have threatened to revolt against the Siddaramaiah government if the bill is not enacted in the next 15 to 20 days. KRV head TA Narayana Gowda claimed on Thursday that a few IT corporations are pressing the Congress-led government to prevent the CM from approving this law.
On Monday, the cabinet approved the law. Today it was going to be tabled. However, a few IT businesses threatened the government that they would leave Karnataka if this bill was introduced.