Bengaluru: A city resident’s suggestion that Bengaluru should replace Delhi as the national capital of India has sparked widespread debate on social media, after a video expressing her views went viral on Instagram, drawing mixed reactions from users across the country.
Viral video sparks national debate
The video was posted by Simridhi Makhija, a content creator who has recently relocated to Bengaluru. In the clip, she argues that the city offers a cleaner, safer and more welcoming environment compared to Delhi, and therefore deserves to be considered as India’s national capital. The video, which has garnered significant attention online, has triggered discussions on urban planning, pollution, safety and the quality of life in India’s major cities.
Makhija, who describes herself as a “Delhi girl,” said she has spent over 70 days living in Bengaluru and recently returned to Delhi to visit her parents for around 15 days. The contrast between the two cities, she said, was stark.
“Being in Delhi felt like being in a gas chamber. I don’t know why it is still the national capital,” she remarked in the video, referring to the capital’s persistent air pollution problem.
Cleaner air and perceived safety highlighted
In her video, Makhija listed several reasons why Bengaluru felt more liveable to her. She said the city’s air quality was noticeably better and that she felt comfortable stepping out even late at night.
“It’s 10 pm, I just met a friend, and I feel safe heading home. Roads are safe, women’s security is not a big issue,” she said, highlighting what she perceives as better public safety in Bengaluru.
She contrasted this with her experience in Delhi, which she said struggles with severe pollution, unsafe roads and pedestrian-unfriendly infrastructure. According to her, these issues make Delhi a difficult city for both residents and visitors.
“Why should any international guest visiting our country be subjected to bad air, bad roads, and unwalkable spaces?” she asked in the video. “They should be welcomed in a better city like Bengaluru.”
Broader concerns about Delhi’s livability
Makhija’s comments come at a time when Delhi continues to grapple with poor air quality, especially during winter months, when pollution levels frequently reach severe or hazardous categories. In recent years, concerns over public health, respiratory illnesses and overall quality of life in the national capital have dominated public discourse.
Urban experts have repeatedly pointed out that while Delhi remains India’s political and administrative hub, it faces significant challenges related to environmental sustainability, traffic congestion and infrastructure strain due to its large population.
Makhija’s video echoes the sentiments of several residents who have voiced frustration over these issues and questioned whether the city reflects the image India wishes to present to the world.
Mixed reactions on social media
The viral post has drawn a wide range of responses online. Many users supported her views, praising Bengaluru for its comparatively cleaner air, cosmopolitan culture and perceived safety.
However, others were quick to point out flaws in her argument. One user commented, “Being a wise content creator, instead of floating the idea to make another city the capital, why don’t you raise your voice to make Delhi a better place?”
Another user challenged her claim about safety, saying, “A small correction! Roads are actually not safe. Bengaluru roads have deadly potholes.”
Some users also argued that relocating problems rather than fixing them was not a solution. “See how there’s this tendency of switching to a new city once you’ve ruined an old one? You think Delhi was this toxic always?” another comment read.
The debate reflects a larger conversation about governance, urban development and whether India’s cities are equipped to handle rapid growth and environmental challenges.
Emotional appeal to move parents out of Delhi
The viral video is not the first time Makhija has spoken publicly about Delhi’s deteriorating conditions. Recently, another video posted by her also went viral, in which she spoke emotionally about wanting to move her parents out of Delhi due to the city’s pollution and overall living conditions.
In that video, she said she was willing to go into debt and compromise her financial stability if that was what it took to relocate them to a healthier environment. The clip resonated with many viewers who share similar concerns about raising families or caring for elderly parents in polluted urban centres.
Official response awaited
HT.com has reached out to Makhija for further clarification and comments on her viral post. As of now, no official response has been received. The report will be updated if she responds.
Urban planners note that while the idea of shifting the national capital is largely symbolic and impractical in the short term, such discussions highlight growing dissatisfaction with urban governance and environmental management in India’s largest cities.
Conclusion
The viral video suggesting Bengaluru as India’s national capital has reignited conversations about air quality, safety and urban livability. While opinions remain divided, the debate underscores a common concern shared by residents across cities — the urgent need to improve infrastructure, environmental conditions and quality of life rather than allowing problems to deepen over time.