Baba Ramdev has stirred controversy once again with a video that recently went viral. While endorsing new rose-flavoured sharbat of Patanjali, he introduced the term ‘Sharbat Jihad’, sparking widespread debate.
In the promotional clip, Ramdev criticised a rival company believed to be Hamdard, the maker of RoohAfza claiming that proceeds from the sale of their beverage are being used to fund religious institutions. “There’s a company which provides you sharbat, but the earnings earned from it are used to build madrasas and mosques,” Ramdev alleged. “If you drink that sharbat, madrasas and mosques will be built. But if you drink this (Patanjali’s rose sharbat), gurukuls and Acharya Kulam will be built and established, and Patanjali University will come into existence.”
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Making a provocative comparison, Ramdev said that just as ‘love jihad’, promoting some drinks is a ‘sharbat jihad’. He also asked netizens to share it widely so that people become aware.
The objectionable video was posted by the Facebook page ‘Patanjali Products’ with a Hindi caption which, when translated, cautioned viewers: “Save your family and innocent children from the toilet cleaner poison sold in the name of ‘sharbat jihad’ and cold drinks. Take only Patanjali sharbat and juices home.”
Hamdard Responds
Though Hamdard did not specifically mention Ramdev or Patanjali, the firm seemingly replied through X (formerly Twitter). Highlighting its dedication to quality, Hamdard pointed out that it follows strict food safety systems like the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and the Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
Furthermore, the company assured its customers that RoohAfza is prepared using only FSSAI-approved herbs and natural ingredients, so it is not adulterated.
Social Media Reactions
The internet soon got wind of the ‘Sharbat Jihad’ comment and got into a frenzy of reactions. Some readers remembered past occasions when Ramdev attacked other brands with new product launches. One of them wrote, “Baba ney toh Nestle Maggie mein bhi khaami batai thi jab inka koi naya product aata hai toh yeh aise hi afwah felate hai.” (Baba had also spoken of flaws in Nestle Maggie. Whenever there is a new product of his, he does this kind of spreading of rumors.)
Political cartoonist Satish Acharya too joined the discussion, posting a satirical cartoon called ‘Bottled Hatred’ which severely criticized the rhetoric.
Legal Trouble for Patanjali
This isn’t the first time Patanjali and its founders have come under legal scrutiny. In recent months, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) filed a plea in the Supreme Court against Patanjali Ayurved, accusing the brand of misleading advertisements. The court responded by temporarily halting Patanjali’s ads and issuing contempt notices.
Earlier this year, a Kerala court issued bailable warrants against Ramdev and Patanjali MD Acharya Balkrishna for not appearing in a case regarding fraudulent marketing practices by Divya Pharmacy, a Patanjali group affiliate. A similar case was filed in Kozhikode.
