A recent social media post by Andhra Pradesh-based designer DS Balaji has triggered a massive online backlash, after he shared his views about Kolkata, calling it the “dirtiest city in India.” Balaji’s sweeping remarks about the city’s cleanliness and its condition during his visit have sparked heated debates, leading to millions of views and divided opinions.
Andhra man faces backlash for viral post comparing Kolkata to ‘starving African city
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), DS Balaji described his visit to Kolkata as an “unhygienic experience,” calling it the “most unhygienic city” he had encountered in India. Balaji’s rant, which included a series of pictures showing overflowing gutters and piles of garbage in areas like Sealdah and Bada Bazaar, painted a grim picture of the city’s infrastructure and hygiene. He expressed his shock at what he saw, highlighting the stench of urine in the air and the squalid conditions in public spaces.
Among the most shocking comments he made was his comparison of Kolkata to a “starving African city.” He wrote, “This is not some starving African city, it’s Kolkata,” alongside a photograph of a woman sitting on top of a gutter selling garlic, visibly ignoring the filth around her. Balaji’s comment about people “enjoying breakfast from a shop on top of the gutter” drew particular ire, as it seemed to degrade not only the city’s image but also its people.
The Reality Behind the Posts
Balaji went on to describe his visit to a vegetable market where he claimed the food was being sold on “filthy smelling floors” surrounded by vendors fighting and spitting on the streets. He said the experience was so disturbing that it put him off food for two days.
Further, he shared his experience at the famous Kaali Ghat Temple, where he claimed to have been harassed by vendors trying to sell him items and by priests who allegedly became agitated when he refused to pay them. In his post, Balaji remarked, “I personally felt Kolkata to be the most depressing, low-energy, low-frequency city,” suggesting that he found the overall atmosphere of the city to be depressing and dismal.
While he expressed disappointment over his visit, he ended his post with a somewhat hopeful message, stating, “As a caring and aware Indian citizen, I wish the best for this city. May it improve, grow, and build like others.”
Public Reaction: Mixed Opinions and Backlash
Balaji’s post quickly went viral, garnering over 6.2 million views and inciting a strong response from both supporters and critics. While some individuals were taken aback by the unflattering photos and agreed with his views on Kolkata’s poor infrastructure, the majority of the online reaction has been critical of Balaji’s generalized portrayal of the city.
Criticism for Judging the Entire City
Many netizens were quick to point out that Balaji’s criticism was based on his experience in a specific part of Kolkata, particularly older, less developed areas. One user responded, “Bro you went to old Kolkata! Every city in India has old parts where new infrastructure cannot be built, and they are dirty. Go to Salt Lake or Newtown, you will get to know the new and clean Kolkata.” Others echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Balaji’s negative experience was confined to the areas he visited and that Kolkata has many other cleaner, more developed neighborhoods.
Defending Kolkata: A City of Contrasts
Several commenters defended the city by emphasizing its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and vibrant spirit. They pointed out that despite its infrastructural challenges, Kolkata remains one of India’s most important and beloved cities, with a unique identity that cannot be reduced to the conditions of a few neighborhoods. “Yes, Kolkata has some areas that need improvement, but it’s also home to some of the most educated, intellectual, and culturally rich people in the country,” one user remarked.
Kolkata, often referred to as the “City of Joy,” is known for its colonial-era architecture, intellectual legacy, and cultural festivals like Durga Puja. Despite challenges related to civic amenities, the city holds a special place in the hearts of its residents and visitors alike.
The Class and Urban Divide
Balaji’s comments also sparked a broader conversation about the class divide and urban inequality in Indian cities. Some critics accused him of portraying Kolkata’s working-class residents in a degrading light. By focusing solely on the conditions of poorer neighborhoods, many argued, Balaji failed to recognize the city’s resilience and the efforts made by local citizens and civic bodies to address these issues.
Others pointed out that infrastructure problems are not unique to Kolkata and can be found in many parts of the country. However, focusing on a single narrative, they argued, could unfairly tarnish the image of an entire city, which is far more complex and diverse than what is depicted in Balaji’s post.
Addressing Hygiene and Infrastructure Challenges
While Balaji’s criticism may have been seen as harsh or even misguided, his post did bring attention to some pressing issues regarding Kolkata’s infrastructure and cleanliness. The city, which has struggled with outdated systems, overcrowded streets, and waste management challenges, has long been in need of urban renewal. Many residents and local activists have been calling for better civic amenities, improved waste disposal systems, and enhanced public hygiene practices.
In recent years, parts of Kolkata have seen improvements in infrastructure, especially in newer districts like Salt Lake and Newtown, which feature modern amenities, green spaces, and better roads. However, older parts of the city, particularly around markets, transportation hubs, and religious sites, continue to face significant cleanliness and infrastructure issues.
Conclusion: A City of Contradictions
Balaji’s post raises important questions about how cities, especially ones with long histories and large populations, are perceived by outsiders. Kolkata, like many other major Indian cities, is a blend of old and new, prosperous and struggling, modern and traditional. While some areas may face challenges, it is important to recognize the diversity of experiences within the city.
The backlash Balaji faced serves as a reminder of the dangers of overgeneralizing an entire city based on a limited experience. While Kolkata may have its issues, it is also a city that continues to thrive in terms of culture, education, and history. Rather than making sweeping judgments based on a single visit, it might be more productive to approach the city with an open mind, recognizing both its flaws and its strengths.
In the end, the debate sparked by Balaji’s post reflects broader issues of urban development, class, and cultural perceptions in India. While Kolkata’s challenges in terms of cleanliness and infrastructure are real, it is a city that still holds a unique and irreplaceable place in the country’s urban landscape.