#BoycottOYO trends online – What triggered the outrage?

The promotional campaign, published as a half-page advertisement in a Hindi newspaper, has been widely criticized for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

OYO Rooms, the hospitality giant led by Ritesh Agarwal, has landed in controversy after its latest advertisement sparked outrage among religious groups. The promotional campaign, published as a half-page advertisement in a Hindi newspaper, has been widely criticized for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

The advertisement featured the tagline “Bhagwan Har Jagah Hai” (God is everywhere), followed by “Aur OYO Bhi” (And so is OYO). This comparison between OYO’s widespread presence and the omnipresence of God did not sit well with several Hindu groups, who called it an insult to their faith.

Growing Backlash and #BoycottOYO Trend

The backlash was immediate, with many Hindu organizations and netizens demanding an apology from OYO. Social media erupted with calls for a boycott, with the hashtag #BoycottOYO trending across platforms.

One outraged user wrote, “OYO has attacked Hindu faith! How dare they compare themselves to God? Apologize immediately and remove this ridiculous ad, or OYO will face protests in every city!” Many others echoed similar sentiments, calling for the ad’s removal and an official statement from the company.

Religious Symbolism in OYO’s Logo Sparks Further Outrage

The controversy did not stop at the advertisement. Religious groups also took issue with OYO’s logo after Ritesh Agarwal revealed in a past interview that its design was inspired by the revered deity Lord Jagannath. According to Agarwal, the two ‘O’s in the logo represent the deity’s eyes, while the ‘Y’ symbolizes the nose.

This revelation has fueled further anger, with critics arguing that using sacred imagery for commercial branding is inappropriate and disrespectful. Some religious leaders have urged OYO to reconsider its branding and issue a clarification.

OYO’s Shift in Brand Strategy

The controversy comes as OYO attempts to reposition itself as a “family-friendly” hospitality chain. Previously known for catering to young travelers and unmarried couples, the company has introduced a new policy allowing partner hotels in certain regions to refuse bookings to unmarried couples based on regional customs and beliefs.

While OYO has not yet responded to the latest controversy, industry experts believe the backlash could impact its rebranding efforts and customer perception. Whether the hospitality giant issues an apology or sticks to its stance remains to be seen.