This makes us sad. The only branch of the renowned Karachi Bakery shut down in Mumbai recently.
The owners said it was due to loss in business and revenues. However, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) said they were responsible for the shutdown. Last year, MNS and Shiv Sena leaders had stirred up a storm about this iconic joint over its "Pakistani name".
Karachi Bakery, formerly owned by a Sindhu Hindu family - the Ramnanis of Hyderabad - has outlets throughout the country.
Leaders of MNS claimed that the name was "anti-national', and filed a complaint against the bakery. Some Shiv Sena leaders had also threatened the store owner to either shut it down or change the name - to something in Marathi. Following this, the name was covered with paper for sometime.
However, the manager of the bakery confirms that the reason for shutting is completely business related. Owners say that ever since the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, business has been down. Also, the lease had lapsed and the landlord wanted to increase the rent, hence, they had to shut the Mumbai outlet.
When the controversy started, many in Pakistan had taken to Twitter to show how their country is more inclusive and had no issues with shops which had Indian names.
It is really tragic that such an iconic place had to shut down because someone felt "offended" by the name. Meanwhile, those who want to taste the lip-smacking array of Karachi Bakery products (especially the divine Osmania biscuits), just order online.Or if you are in Hyderabad, check out one of the many outlets.
