Cars24 CEO ignites social debate with his ‘Aa jao Dilli’ hiring post

The CEO of Cars24 Vikram Chopra ignited a discussion about workplace diversity and linguistic identity on social media. In a post on X, Chopra indicated to Bengaluru residents looking for work in Delhi-NCR.

"Still can't speak Kannada after years in Bengaluru? It's okay. Aa jao Dilli (come to Delhi),” reads the post.

"We are not saying Delhi NCR is better. Only that it really is. If you wish to come back, write to me at [email protected] with the subject Delhi meri jaan," added the post.

Many people criticized the statement for disparaging Kannada, while others saw it as a humorous recruitment technique.

"This is probably not the message you would want to post in a hiring call. So basically you want North Indians/Delhiites on your team? The rest of the folks?" asked one social media user.

"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. Think twice before making the move," commented another.

Even an old post by Chopra himself criticizing the nation's capital was discovered by one person.

His 2009 post said, "The most difficult thing in Delhi is to deal with its people."

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a strong plea for the creation of a "Kannada atmosphere" throughout the state in June of last year.

He encouraged everyone in Karnataka to start speaking Kannada on a daily basis.

"It is the responsibility of every Kannadiga to protect the Kannada language, land, and water," Siddaramaiah said.

Siddaramaiah believes that all people of the state, regardless of linguistic heritage, should make a conscious decision to speak Kannada.

Supporters of Chopra's post, on the other hand, have praised it as an acknowledgment of the difficulties that non-Kannada speakers encounter when living and working in Bangalore.

"I compliment you for this initiative. It's important that those who work live close to their families," wrote one social media user.