‘Have immense respect for Police’: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta clears air on ‘thulla’ controversy

NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta has broken her silence on the backlash over her use of the word “thulla” in the Assembly last month, saying it was never meant to insult police personnel. In an interview with PTI, the 50-year-old leader acknowledged the criticism, admitted past errors, and said she’s “not fool-proof” but willing to evolve.
“I used the word ‘thulla’ while narrating a story. It was not my intention to harm police personnel or jawans,” she said. “I have immense respect for them. They work 24 hours a day, often without rest or food, always just a phone call away.”
The term “thulla” is commonly used as street slang to refer to beat cops in a derogatory manner. Gupta’s remark, made during a March 28 Assembly session, sparked sharp reactions from the Aam Aadmi Party, which called it an insult to the force.

But Gupta, who led the BJP to power in Delhi after 26 years, is not shying away from accountability. “Sometimes we commit mistakes without any intention. What’s important is to accept them and ensure they are not repeated,” she said. “I don’t mind accepting my mistakes.”
‘I’m not the same person I was years ago’
Responding to questions about her earlier aggressive posts on social media targeting opposition leaders, Gupta chalked them up to immaturity. “When we’re younger, we lack command over our language… as we grow, we mature,” she said. “It happens in everyone’s life. I’m no exception.”
She added, “I’m a person who convinces others or gets convinced by them. I don’t believe in one-sided thinking.”
Posters off, apologies on
In a candid admission, Gupta acknowledged that her own supporters may have contributed to the defacement of Delhi’s public walls with political posters in the past—something she’s now campaigning against.
“When I realised how ugly Delhi looks with posters and wall-writings, I started by apologising to the people,” she said. “I’ve now asked all our MLAs and workers to stop this practice. We must move toward a clean and beautiful Delhi.”
Gupta said she doesn’t see herself as a one-woman force trying to change the capital. “The vision for Viksit Delhi, Swachh Delhi, Swasth Delhi—it’s not just my mission. Every citizen must be a part of it.”