Yoga guru and Patanjali co-founder Baba Ramdev has ignited controversy. This followed his recent remarks during a promotional event for Patanjali’s rose-flavored sharbat. In a video that has since gone viral, Ramdev made accusations against an unnamed rival sharbat brand. He claimed the brand was using its profits to fund religious institutions. He referred to this as “Sharbat Jihad.” While he did not explicitly name the brand, many interpreted his comments as a veiled reference. His comments pointed to Rooh Afza, a popular beverage produced by Hamdard Laboratories.
In the video, Ramdev stated, “On one side, there’s the attack of toilet-cleaner-like poison. On the other, there’s a company selling sharbat. This company uses the money earned to build mosques and madrasas.” He urged consumers to choose Patanjali’s sharbat instead, claiming that its profits support Hindu educational institutions.
Social Media Backlash
Ramdev’s comments have drawn widespread criticism on social media platforms. Many users accused him of promoting communal divisions to market his products. One user commented, “Baba Ramdev’s attempt to promote Patanjali’s sharbat is not only disrespectful. Calling Rooh Afza ‘Sharbat Jihad’ is dangerous.”
Another user highlighted the irony in Ramdev’s statements. The user noted that terms like “Gulab” and “Sharbat” have Arabic origins. This questions the basis of his claims.
Response of Hamdard
In response to the controversy, Hamdard Laboratories issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to quality and authenticity. They clarified that Rooh Afza is prepared using only FSSAI-approved herbs and natural ingredients, adhering to strict food safety standards. The company urged consumers to “Enjoy the refreshing taste you can trust.”
Legal Challenges for Patanjali
This incident adds to the list of legal challenges faced by Patanjali Ayurved. The company has been under scrutiny for allegedly making unsubstantiated claims about its products. The Supreme Court of India has previously directed Patanjali to remove misleading advertisements. It also ordered suspending the sale of certain products. The licenses for these products were revoked by the Uttarakhand government.
Baba Ramdev’s “Sharbat Jihad” remark has sparked a significant backlash. Many accuse him of using communal rhetoric to promote his brand. As the controversy continues, the impact on consumer perceptions remains uncertain. It is also unclear how the broader market dynamics between Patanjali and its competitors will be affected.
