Cars24 CEO shares hiring post, calls people who 'still haven't learnt' Kannada in Bengaluru to Delhi. Viral

The post sparked a heated debate online, with responses ranging from criticism to support.

Bengaluru, often lauded as India’s tech capital and a hub for startups and established businesses, is facing increasing scrutiny for its infrastructural woes. Issues such as relentless traffic, pothole-riddled roads, and skyrocketing rents have made headlines, with many attributing these challenges to the city’s swelling migrant population. The debate has also brought the contentious issue of language to the forefront, with the push to promote Kannada drawing mixed reactions.

Reports over the years have highlighted incidents where non-Kannada speakers faced discrimination—autowallahs allegedly refusing passengers unfamiliar with the local language, vandalism of English signboards, and accusations of shopkeepers overcharging Hindi-speaking customers. Despite these challenges, Bengaluru remains a top destination for IT professionals nationwide, luring countless migrants seeking career opportunities.

Amid this backdrop, a post by Vikram Chopra, CEO of Cars24, stirred controversy by addressing Bengaluru’s language issue directly. In a hiring call for engineers, Chopra appeared to take a jab at the city’s linguistic tensions, writing: "Still can’t speak Kannada after years in Bengaluru? It’s okay. Aa jao Dilli (Come to Delhi)."

The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, invited engineers to work at Cars24 in Delhi NCR, encouraging those wishing to stay “closer to home.” Chopra’s post further read: "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."

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 pic.twitter.com/lgQpXMiaKt Vikram Chopra (@vikramchopra) December 19, 2024

The post sparked a heated debate online, with responses ranging from criticism to support. Some users found the post offensive, viewing it as a slight against Bengaluru and its culture.

“This is a tasteless advertisement. Makes me think less of Cars24 as an employer,” remarked an X user.

Another user questioned the exclusivity implied in the post, asking, “So basically, you want North Indians/Delhiites in your team? Rest of the folks?”

Others, however, appreciated the sentiment of staying closer to family, interpreting the post as an innovative hiring strategy:

“TYSM for taking efforts to decongest Bengaluru. Please ask your business friends also to do the same,” one user commented.

Another added, “I compliment you for this initiative. It’s important that those who work live close to their families.”