‘I’m A Proud Kannadiga’: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Hits Back At Trolls Questioning Her Loyalty

Last Updated:October 22, 2025, 13:31 IST

Shaw's post came in response to a barrage of comments claiming that she was “not a Kannadiga” because of her Gujarati ancestry.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.

Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has strongly responded to online trolls who questioned loyalty to Karnataka after she raised concerns over Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure. 

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shaw wrote, “I was born in this city and have spent seven decades of loving my city, my Kannada culture and can read, write and speak this wonderful language. I don’t think I am answerable to anyone who questions my loyalty to Karnataka. I am a proud Kannadiga."

Her post came in response to a barrage of comments claiming that she was “not a Kannadiga" because of her Gujarati ancestry. Shaw, however, emphasised her deep connection to Bengaluru and Karnataka, where she was born and raised.

Shaw, one of India’s most respected business leaders, was born in Bengaluru and studied at Bishop Cotton Girls’ School before graduating from Bangalore University. In 1978, she founded Biocon Limited, which has grown into a global biopharmaceutical powerhouse headquartered in the city.

She had earlier dismissed similar criticism with a post stating, “I am more Kannadiga than you think."

I was born in this city and have spent seven decades of loving my city, my Kannada culture and can read write n speak this wonderful language. I don’t think I am answerable to anyone who questions my loyalty to Karnataka. I am a proud Kannadiga. https://t.co/qan79ioepZ— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) October 22, 2025

Kiran Majumdar-Shaw vs DK Shivakumar

The trolling began after Shaw publicly criticised the poor state of Bengaluru’s roads and civic infrastructure. When some Congress leaders questioned why she hadn’t raised these concerns during the BJP regime, Shaw clarified that she had voiced similar criticisms under previous governments as well.

Tagging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and Minister Priyank Kharge, she urged the government to prioritise Bengaluru’s development.

“It doesn’t take more than a focus in terms of budgetary allocation and execution. A billion dollars needs to be ring-fenced to make our city world-class," she posted.

Amid the ongoing debate, Shaw met Shivakumar earlier this week, reportedly to invite him to her nephew’s wedding. The meeting also included a discussion on Bengaluru’s growth, innovation, and Karnataka’s development path.

Shivakumar shared a photo from the meeting on X, writing, “It was a pleasure to meet Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, entrepreneur and Founder of Biocon. We had an engaging discussion on Bengaluru’s growth and the path ahead for Karnataka."

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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