#BoycottPhonePe: CEO Sameer Nigam in Hot Water Over Job Quota Bill
Social media has erupted in Karnataka, calling for a boycott of the popular digital payments app, PhonePe. The controversy centers around the company’s CEO, Sameer Nigam, who voiced his opposition to the Karnataka government’s job quota bill. The backlash has been swift and fierce, with many Kannadigas urging others to uninstall the app.
What is the Job Quota Bill?
The Karnataka government recently introduced a bill that would reserve a certain percentage of private-sector jobs for local residents. The bill has sparked intense debate, with proponents arguing it will provide much-needed employment opportunities for locals, while opponents feel it could discourage investment in the state.
Sameer Nigam’s Controversial Comments
Sameer Nigam, the CEO and founder of PhonePe, publicly criticized the job quota bill, questioning whether it was fair to people like him who have lived in Karnataka but do not originally hail from the state. “I am 46 years old. Never lived in a state for 15+ years. My father worked in the Indian Navy. Got posted all over the country. His kids don’t deserve jobs in Karnataka? I build companies. Have created 25,000+ jobs across India! My kids don’t deserve jobs in their home city?” Nigam posted on social media.
Call for Boycott
Nigam’s comments did not sit well with many in Karnataka. Social media users quickly rallied under the hashtag #BoycottPhonePe, sharing screenshots of themselves uninstalling the app. One user tweeted, “Hi all Kannadigas, this guy is a Founder and CEO of PhonePe and he is openly against Kannadigas and interests of Karnataka. Please uninstall PhonePe in your mobiles and try to use GooglePay or any other Apps of your choice.”
Another user expressed disappointment, saying, “I always preferred PhonePe over any other UPI apps due to its Swadeshi origin. Sameer Nigam, Karnataka helped you to grow up. You came here to build your career, not to improve Bengaluru. This is the time to say goodbye to PhonePe. #UninstallPhonePe #BoycottPhonePe.”
Political Reactions
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a local organization committed to the protection and promotion of Karnataka’s interests, has also weighed in on the job quota bill. KRV chief TA Narayana Gowda has threatened to stage protests if the bill is not passed soon. “We are asking for our rights. Don’t we have the right to ask this? If they say we’ll leave Karnataka can we stop them? I can tell you that you’ll not get a place like Karnataka,” Gowda stated.
The Government’s Position
The bill was cleared by the Karnataka cabinet earlier this week but faced pushback from certain sectors within the state. “On Monday, the cabinet made a decision and cleared the bill. Today it was supposed to be tabled. But a few IT companies pressurized the government that they’ll leave Karnataka if they table this bill,” claimed Gowda.
What’s Next?
PhonePe, which boasts millions of users nationwide, finds itself at the center of a heated political debate. As the calls for boycott grow louder, it remains to be seen how the company and its CEO, Sameer Nigam, will respond. Will Nigam apologize or stand firm on his views? And most importantly, how will this controversy affect PhonePe’s operations in Karnataka and beyond?
Challenges Ahead
This situation poses a significant challenge for PhonePe. The potential loss of users in a tech-savvy state like Karnataka could be a blow to the company’s market presence. Moreover, the overarching debate raises questions about the balance between promoting local employment and attracting national and international businesses.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Sameer Nigam’s comments on the job quota bill has ignited a larger conversation on employment, regional identity, and business ethics. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the intersection of business and politics continues to be a delicate balance.
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