Can't speak Kannada? Come to Delhi: CEO's post stirs debate on language, inclusivity
New Delhi: A social media post by Vikram Chopra, CEO of Cars24, has sparked controversy, raising questions about linguistic identity and workplace inclusivity. Chopra's post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), was directed at job seekers from Bengaluru interested in relocating to Delhi-NCR.
The post, which read, "Still can't speak Kannada after years in Bengaluru? It's okay. Aa jao Dilli (come to Delhi)," quickly garnered attention. Chopra added, "We are not saying Delhi NCR is better. Only that it really is. If you wish to come back, write to me at vikram@cars24.com with the subject - Delhi meri jaan."
While some interpreted the post as a humorous recruitment pitch, others condemned it for seemingly undermining the Kannada language. One social media user remarked, "This is probably not the message you would want to post in a hiring call. So basically you want north Indians/Delhiites in your team? The rest of the folks?"
Critics also questioned Chopra's reference to Delhi as 'better' and highlighted concerns over crime in the capital. Another user commented, "Delhi NCR has its charm, but before calling it 'better,' let's take a moment to consider the reality. A look at the crime data might offer a different perspective."
In response to the post, some supporters defended Chopra's message, arguing that it acknowledged the difficulties non-Kannada speakers face in Bengaluru. "I compliment you for this initiative. It's important that those who work live close to their families," wrote one user.
The controversy comes after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's call to foster a "Kannada atmosphere" across the state, urging all residents, regardless of linguistic background, to embrace the Kannada language in their daily lives.
"Can't Speak Kannada? Come To Delhi": CEO's Hiring Post Sparks Controversy https://t.co/FmujNpvpXe pic.twitter.com/fMJF5hRELW
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Karnataka: GBA city corporation polls likely between June 14 and 24
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka State Election Commissioner G S Sangreshi on Friday said elections to the five city corporations under the GBA will be held anytime between June 14 and June 24.
He said the exact date for the polls will be announced after a week, asserting that the power to postpone the elections, as requested by GBA authorities, lies with the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had directed the Karnataka government and the State Election Commission to conduct Bengaluru local body elections by June 30.
On Friday, the SEC held a consultation meeting with the GBA Chief Commissioner and commissioners of the five city corporations regarding the election schedule, as per the provisions of the GBA Act.
“During the meeting, I informed GBA officials that only the election date has to be fixed, as all other measures and formalities for conducting the polls have already been completed,” Sangreshi said.
“They requested the Commission to consider factors such as rains, exams, census work, SIR, and manpower shortages while fixing the date and sought additional time,” he added.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said, “I told them this meeting was not for seeking time. Elections to the five corporations under the GBA must be held before June 30, as directed by the Supreme Court, and a compliance report must be submitted to the court. I do not have the power to postpone the elections as requested.”
The Supreme Court has already given a “final opportunity,” and both the SEC and the government must comply with its directions, the State Election Commissioner said.
He asked GBA officials to suggest suitable dates between June 14 and June 24.
“While stating that they are ready for elections, the officials highlighted operational challenges, including manpower shortages. However, I have informed them that the elections will have to be held between June 14 and June 24. After a week, I will announce the final date,” he said.
Reiterating that he does not have the power to postpone the elections, Sangreshi said the authority rests with the Supreme Court, and elections must be conducted as scheduled.
“We have consulted the GBA as per the rules. It is up to them to suggest a date within the given window. If they need more time, they must approach the court. Our responsibility is to fix the date and complete the polls before June 30,” he said.
The matter regarding manpower and other concerns raised by GBA officials is already before the Supreme Court, and the State Election Commission has also filed a petition in this regard. The case is yet to be heard.
“Since the matter has not come up for hearing, the earlier order remains binding. Therefore, preparations are underway,” he added.
The tenure of the previous elected body under the erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) ended on September 10, 2020, and since then, a government-appointed administrator has been managing its day-to-day affairs.
Bengaluru was divided into five municipal corporations—Central, East, West, North, and South—under the Greater Bengaluru Authority in September 2025, replacing the BBMP.
Sangreshi had earlier said that elections to the five corporations would be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines.
This follows the Congress government’s decision last September to recommend the use of ballot papers in all future panchayat and urban local body elections, citing concerns over declining public confidence in EVMs.
The state government subsequently enacted the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2026, paving the way for the use of ballot papers in local body elections.
