‘Not obliged to fund poor people’: Message on South Delhi group divides opinion

A message shared in a South Delhi residents’ WhatsApp group has gone viral on X, mixed reactions for its purported elitism. The message, reportedly sent a male resident of the society, addressed concerns about security measures in a manner that some found objectionable.A message on a South Delhi WhatsApp group has sparked a discussion around elitism (Pixabay)When some residents raised concerns about strangers entering the society, the man suggested that the real solution was to make security guards accountable for “unidentified interlopers” and to take action if they failed consently. He added, “I am not obliged to fund ‘poor people’s livelihoods’ who do not act in my interest. That’s as clearly as I can put it.”(Also read: ‘No Swiggy, Zomato, maid’: Gurgaon RWA shames maintenance defaulters with giant billboard)What the exchange saidThe visible part of the RWA WhatsApp group showed a message from a resident who was apparently in favour of keeping the society gates closed as a security measure.To this, another resident replied, “Keeping gates closed would only create trouble for vehicles, mostly residents. It will not deter trespassers. The solution in my mind is to make the guards accountable for unidentified interlopers and take decisive action in case of consent failing.“This, I’m afraid, has not happened in spite of residents flagging the issue multiple times. I am not obliged to fund ‘poor people’s livelihoods’ who do not act in my interest. That’s as clearly as I can put it,” the resident said.A screenshot of the exchange was shared on X with the caption, “Rich people from South Delhi think they are the most important people in the world and that everyone else doesn’t deserve anything. I hope a bird s***s on this guy’s head while he’s on his way to work.”Why the controversy?The screenshot quickly spread online, with some X users criticising what they saw as an expression of entitlement among affluent South Delhi residents. But while some saw the man’s take as elit, others said he was justified.“What did the person say wrong? The person is paying and every step of a leisure and secure life then they should get it,” one X user opined. “If a security guard is hired for such things and is incompetent then they should get fired.”“The person is absolutely right and I would demand the same. It is crystal clear – I am paying for a service, I just need that service. I do not want anything extra just what I have paid for. If someone does not do that job, then find someone else,” another agreed.Some said their issue was with the language used. “He could’ve made whatever point he was making without mentioning the working class… but nah, he had to brag about his disdain for the group without which these people can barely function,” a user said.(Also read: ‘Class, elit’: Delhi entrepreneur turns delivery agent, slammed for reaction to customer’s tip)