Dipika Damerla, the Indian‑origin candidate for Mississauga mayor, had uploaded a short clip on X that parodied the Hindi hit "Kya Hua Tera Wada," promising voters she would not raise property taxes if elected.
The video quickly went viral, drawing laughter and support from some residents who appreciated the playful twist on a familiar tune. Yet, a minority of comments turned sharply hostile, with several messages containing profanity, personal attacks, and hateful slurs.
Faced with the barrage of hurtful remarks, Damerla chose to delete the clip and posted a personal note on X. "I know criticism comes with the territory," she wrote, explaining that the comments were deeply personal and that the decision was made to spare her family from further distress.
In her note, Damerla reiterated her commitment to fighting racism, hate, and discrimination, and underscored her platform of improving affordability, safety, and city services. She urged voters to focus on substantive issues rather than viral entertainment, calling for a "City That Works."
The Mississauga mayoral election remains scheduled for October 22, 2026, and Damerla’s move has sparked a debate about the role of social media in local politics and the fine line between humor and harassment.