Watch: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta stops car after spotting man tossing roti on street, says 'it's not just food, it's culture'

NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday shared a video in which she is seen talking to a person who, she said, tossed a chapati from his car, presumably for a cow.

In a post on X, Gupta urged citizens to avoid throwing food, especially chapati, on the roads. She also requested people to feed stray animals only at designated sites.

"I stopped my car and requested him to not do it again. Chapati is not just food for us, it is a symbol of our culture, faith and respect. Throwing food on the road forces cows and other animals to come there to eat, which not only endangers their lives but also endangers the safety of people and vehicles on the road," she wrote with the video.

आज राजधानी में भ्रमण के दौरान, मैंने देखा कि एक व्यक्ति ने अपनी कार से रोटी सड़क पर फेंकी- संभवतः गाय को खिलाने के उद्देश्य से। मैंने गाड़ी रुकवाई और उस व्यक्ति से आग्रह किया कि कृपया ऐसा दोबारा न करें।
रोटी हमारे लिए केवल भोजन नहीं है, वह हमारी संस्कृति, श्रद्धा और सम्मान का… pic.twitter.com/PS0bYmOBG6

— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) April 12, 2025

Suggesting that food should not be "disrespected," the chief minister added, "If you want to feed animals, please do so at a 'gaushala' (cow shelter) or a designated place. This is a sign of our sensitivity, responsibility and values. Feed animals with love and responsibility. Respect your culture and keep your roads safe."

This comes days after Gupta's convoy was forced to halt after a group of cattle strayed on a road in northwest Delhi. She stepped out of her car to check on the animals and was seen having a discussion with officials over the issue and taking a round of the road on foot. Her security personnel later intervened and ensured the animals were safely moved aside.

A senior Delhi govt official later said Gupta issued instructions to the development department to provide shelter for the stray cattle in the area.