‘Vegetarian Only!’ Bengaluru Flatmate Post Sparks Online Backlash

A Bengaluru woman’s social media post seeking a vegetarian flatmate has gone viral, garnering over 1.5 million views for all the wrong reasons. Vanshita, the woman behind the post, listed her demands on the social media platform X, sparking controversy with her preference for a vegetarian flatmate and a Hindi-speaking candidate.

The Flatmate Listing: Rent and Requirements

Vanshita’s post detailed her search for a female flatmate to occupy one room in her 3BHK apartment in Bengaluru’s Wilson Garden. The rent for the room is ₹17,000 per month with a ₹70,000 deposit. The room comes fully furnished with a large bed, mattress, air conditioner, geyser, wardrobe, storage units, and a wall-mounted desk. The second-floor apartment is also equipped with basic appliances such as a fridge, mixer, and washing machine.

In her post, Vanshita described herself as a “bit annoying” and a “clean freak,” and expressed her excitement to meet her new flatmate. She specified that she was looking for a young woman who is preferably Hindi-speaking, does not mind guests, and is comfortable with alcohol, smoking, and pets.

Outrage Over “Vegetarian” Demand

However, what caught the internet’s attention was Vanshita’s strict demand for a vegetarian flatmate. Many social media users were quick to criticize this preference, particularly in light of her openness to smoking and alcohol consumption.

One user commented, “How amazing the world has become to normalize alcohol consumption and smoking but not diet preferences.” Another questioned, “Alcohol and smoking are fine, but non-vegetarianism is where she draws the line?”

“Hindi-Speaking” Requirement Raises Eyebrows

Adding to the controversy was Vanshita’s preference for a Hindi-speaking flatmate, which raised questions, especially in the state of Karnataka. One X user remarked, “It’s the ‘Hindi speaking’ that does it for me. She’s in Bangalore, and she wrote this in English. You need one language to communicate. If you’re not going to learn Kannada (you should), say ‘Hindi or English speaking.'”

Vanshita Defends Her Stance

Responding to the backlash, Vanshita explained that her preference for a vegetarian flatmate was rooted in her inability to tolerate the sight of raw meat, citing her personal comfort. “It’s about comfort and peace in the house. I don’t mind any form of cooked food, but I am a vegetarian and hence can’t stand the sight of raw meat,” she clarified.

A Broader Discussion on Preferences and Inclusivity

Vanshita’s post has sparked a larger conversation on social media about the balance between personal preferences and inclusivity in shared living spaces. Critics have pointed out the inconsistency in tolerating certain habits, such as smoking and drinking, while drawing the line at dietary choices. The debate also highlights the complexities of cultural and language preferences in cosmopolitan cities like Bengaluru, where diverse communities converge.