A controversy erupted in the national capital after Bharatiya Janata Party councillor Renu Chowdhury was caught on video allegedly threatening an African football coach and asking him to learn Hindi within a month or leave Delhi.
Following widespread criticism, the councillor later issued an apology.
The incident, which surfaced through a video shared on the social media platform X, shows the African national coaching football to local children at a public park.
In the video, Renu Chowdhury is seen questioning the coach for not knowing Hindi and insisting that he must learn the language within a month if he intends to continue staying and working in Delhi.
In the footage, the councillor is heard saying that since the coach was earning money in the city, he was obligated to speak Hindi. She further warned him that failure to do so would mean he should leave Delhi.
The video also captures Renu Chowdhury addressing another individual present at the spot, believed to be a park staff member, and instructing that the park be closed by a specified time. She is heard warning that the individual would be held responsible if any untoward incident occurred thereafter.
The remarks sparked sharp reactions on social media, with many users accusing the councillor of intimidation and discriminatory behaviour. After the issue snowballed into a political embarrassment, Renu Chowdhury apologised for her comments, stating that she did not intend to hurt or threaten anyone.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has not issued an official statement on the matter so far.
