Ayodhya Coca-Cola row: A video from Amrit Bottlers, a Coca-Cola factory located in Ayodhya, has sparked significant outrage after it surfaced online on Monday. The footage depicts a security guard cutting the sacred “Kalava” thread from the wrists of workers entering the factory. The individual who recorded the video accused the factory of disrespecting Hindu beliefs, leading to widespread calls for boycotts of the beverage giant.Public boycott Coca-ColaFollowing the videos circulation, numerous social media users expressed their anger, igniting a storm of protests. Slogans like Coca-Cola Leave India and Coca-Cola is not cool, its dirty echoed through various platforms as the incident fueled national outrage. Many felt that the cutting of the Kalava, which holds deep significance in Hindu culture, represented a blatant disregard for religious sentiments.Watch the video here:#यूपी में “कोका-कोला भारत छोड़ो” के लगे नारे !!“कोका कोला ठंडा नहीं गंदा है”अयोध्या में “कोका कोला” फैक्ट्री में हिन्दुओं के हाथ से “कलावा” काटने की घटना के बाद पूरे देश में आक्रोश बढ़ता जा रहा है-#viralvideo @UPGovt @myogiadityanath pic.twitter.com/Jz3wxNQJeY— MANOJ SHARMA LUCKNOW UP🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@ManojSh28986262) September 29, 2024Factorys defense and explanationIn response to the uproar, Arjun Das, the public relations officer of the Coca-Cola factory, clarified the companys stance. He explained that strict regulations prohibit workers from wearing rings, wristwatches, bangles, or any threads in the processing areas to maintain product purity. “If even a single piece of thread falls into the drinking water, it could damage the companys reputation,” he stated.Das further elaborated that the security guard, acting without proper authority, applied this rule broadly rather than adhering to the specific areas where it was required. He emphasized that the company respects the significance of the Kalava in Hindu faith, asserting, “We also tie Kalava with great respect.” The officer mentioned that the security guard involved in the incident was dismissed on September 21.Apology from managementChief Security Officer Sachchidanand Tiwari extended his apologies, reaffirming the companys respect for Sanatan Dharma. He emphasized that the factory community shares a commitment to honoring religious beliefs and that the incident was a regrettable misunderstanding rather than a deliberate affront.
