Mumbai-based Hindu Janajagruti Samiti ignited a fervent debate as the trending hashtag #BoycottStarbucks swept across X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to the organization's call for a nationwide boycott of Starbucks outlets in India. The Samiti claimed that the coffee giant's Indian branches exclusively serve halal meat, which they assert infringes upon the dietary choices of Hindus and non-Muslims, terming it a 'halal imposition'.
The controversy was further fueled by a tweet from Hindu Janajagruti Samiti spokesperson Ramesh Shinde, who posed a poignant question: "Do Hindus have no freedom to eat?" The impassioned plea resonated with supporters of the campaign, propelling the hashtag to prominence on a recent Sunday.
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Amidst the social media storm, Starbucks remained conspicuously silent, choosing not to issue any formal response to the growing boycott movement.
Halal meat, signifying food permissible under Islamic law, has stirred a broader conversation on cultural and dietary preferences. The Hindu organization underscored the significance of Starbucks' business in India, revealing that the chain caters to a staggering 400,000 consumers weekly and achieved a substantial net sales figure exceeding ₹1,000 crore in the previous fiscal year. In a video circulating online, the Samiti highlighted their contention: a substantial portion of Starbucks' revenue is allocated for obtaining halal certification, raising concerns about the imposition of dietary practices on Hindu patrons.
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The video also depicted an interaction at a Starbucks outlet in New Delhi, wherein a customer inquired about the availability of non-halal meat options. The staff member's response, captured in the video, indicated that only halal meat was offered, which was purportedly suitable for both Hindus and Muslims, according to media reports.
