Influencer Sugandh Sharma Receives Backlash After “Bengaluru Would Be Empty If North Indians Leave” Reel

A recent social media post by Instagram influencer Sugandh Sharma has sparked a heated debate about cultural diversity and integration in Bengaluru, India’s renowned tech hub. Sharma, who boasts over 17,300 followers on her account @thesugandhsharma, posted a video claiming that if all North Indian residents left the city, Bengaluru would become “empty.”

In her controversial reel, Sharma suggested that without the North Indian population, Paying Guest (PG) accommodations and clubs in Koramangala would be deserted. She captioned the video with “Bangalore sabka hain kisi ek ka nahin” (Bangalore belongs to everyone, not to anyone alone). She particularly emphasised the popular neighborhood of Koramangala.

The video quickly went viral, attracting widespread criticism and igniting a firestorm of responses from local celebrities, social media users, and even participants from popular reality shows like Bigg Boss. Many viewed Sharma’s comments as disrespectful to Bengaluru’s native population and culture, with some calling for her to leave the city.

Karnataka Celebs, Influencers, Netizens Did Not Take Kindly To Her Comments:

Kannada actress Chaithra J Achar responded sharply, suggesting that the city would manage fine without Sharma’s presence. She commented,

“If you can actually leave, just as an experiment, and see how Bangalore becomes empty, we are ready to live with that emptiness and dancers less pubs. We can live with it. Really.”

Other public figures attempted to strike a more conciliatory tone. Entrepreneur and influencer Yudister Narayan, who identifies as a “Kannadiga and proud Bangalorean,” emphasized the generally harmonious coexistence of diverse communities in Bengaluru. He stated,

“We’ve never had any significant issues with our North Indian friends in reality. It feels like some influencers and pages have a personal agenda, pushing aggression towards Bangalore by constantly posting ‘North India vs Bangalore’ content and spreading unnecessary hatred.”

In response to the backlash, Sharma posted follow-up videos claiming her initial post was meant as comedy and expressing her love for Bengaluru. She asserted that she tries to absorb the culture of the cities she visits and has been attempting to learn Kannada. However, she also stood firm on her right to live in the city, stating in another video, “I thought we were living in a democracy? I will live in Bangalore and won’t leave.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sugandh Sharma (@thesugandhsharma)

The incident has sparked a larger conversation about migration, cultural integration, and mutual respect in rapidly growing urban centers. Actor Vinay Gowda urged Sharma to recognize Bengaluru’s significance beyond its nightlife, highlighting Karnataka’s achievements in various industries. He wrote,

“Karnataka, in particular, is thriving in key sectors such as biotechnology, aerospace and defense, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and tourism. The state is recognized as the biotech capital of India and contributes to more than one-third of the country’s biotech exports.”

In the most recent update on the issue, pro-Kannada activists have been visiting the influencer’s workplace to file a complaint against her.

The Yukave Youth Group have also lodged a complaint at the Koramangala Police Station.

ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರಿಗೆ ಜಯವಾಗೋವರೆಗೂ ನಮ್ಮ ಹೋರಾಟ💪🏻
ಸುಗಂಧ ಶರ್ಮ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ವಿರುದ್ದ ಮಾತನಾಡಿರೋ ವಿಷಯವಾಗಿ ಕಳೆದ 2ದಿನದಿಂದ ಆಕೆಯ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಹುಡುಕಿ ಫ್ರಿಡಂಆಪ್ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳ ಜೊತೆ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ ಈಕೆಯ ಕನ್ನಡವಿರೋಧಿ ನೀತಿ ಕಂಡು ಈಕೆಯನ್ನು ಕೆಲಸದಿಂದ ತೆಗೆದಿದ್ದು,ಆಕೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ಕೋರಮಂಗಲ ಠಾಣೆಲಿ ದೂರು ಕೊಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ. pic.twitter.com/x9fhTxzDc0

— ರೂಪೇಶ್ ರಾಜಣ್ಣ(RUPESH RAJANNA) (@rajanna_rupesh) September 23, 2024

As the discussion continues, many are calling for increased dialogue and understanding between long-term residents and newcomers. The incident with Sugandh Sharma serves as a reminder of the need to foster a more inclusive and respectful urban environment in Bengaluru and other fast-growing Indian cities, where diversity can be celebrated without diminishing the importance of local culture and traditions. The ongoing debate also raises important questions about the responsibility of social media influencers in shaping public discourse and the potential consequences of their statements on sensitive social issues.