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Yoga guru Baba Ramdev claimed that a company selling sharbat is using the money earned from it to build mosques and madrasas.
Baba Ramdev promotes Patanjali’s latest summer drink | Image/X
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev stoked a fresh controversy after coining the term “Sharbat Jihad” in a viral video while promoting Patanjali’s latest rose-flavoured sharbat — a sugary beverage.
Slamming the rival brand, the Yoga guru claimed that a company selling sharbat is using the money earned from it to build mosques and madrasas. He further warned that consuming such products could promote “Sharbat Jihad.”
“There’s a company that gives you sharbat, but the money it earns is used to construct madrasas and mosques,” said Ramdev, adding: “If you drink that sharbat, madrasas and mosques will be built. But if you drink this (Patanjali’s rose sharbat), gurukuls and Acharya Kulam will be built and developed, and Patanjali University will expand.”
He drew a controversial parallel by claiming that just as there is “love jihad,” the promotion of certain beverages— apparently referring to Hamdard’s Rooh Afza— represents a kind of “sharbat jihad”, and urged online users to share the message so that it reaches every household.
The video was posted by ‘Patanjali Products’ on Facebook with a Hindi caption that, when translated, read: “Protect your family and innocent children from the poison of toilet cleaner being sold under the name of ‘sharbat jihad’ and cold drinks. Bring home only Patanjali sharbat and juices.”
Hamdard’s Veiled Response
Meanwhile, Hamdard, the maker of RoohAfza, issued a veiled response on X (formerly Twitter), noting its commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
The company highlighted that it adheres to strict Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Food Safety Management System (FSMS) protocols to prevent contamination and uphold the product’s purity.
In additional posts, Hamdard also assured that RoohAfza remains free from adulteration, highlighting that it is made using FSSAI-approved herbs and natural ingredients.
Internet Melts Down
As the video garnered online attention, several users reacted to the “Sharbat Jihad” claim, with some recalling the time when Baba Ramdev pointed out flaws in Nestle’s Maggie.
“Baba Ney toh Nestle Maggie Mein Bhi Khaami Batai Thi Jab Inka Koi Naya Product Aata Hai Toh Yeh Aise Hi AFWAH FELATE HAI Product of His Comes Out, He Spreads Such Rumors). “
Baba Ney toh Nestle Maggie Mein Bhi Khaami Batai Thiri Jab Inka Koi Naya Product Aata Hai Toh Yeh Aise Hi AFWAH FLATE HAI – Aradhya_xulfi (@aradhya99Dev) April 10, 2025
Cartoonist Satish Acharya labelled the controversial rhetoric as “Bottled Hatred” through a sharply satirical illustration which he shared on X.
Notably, Patanjali and its founders have faced several legal challenges in recent years over their advertisements. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) filed a plea against Patanjali Ayurved, leading the Supreme Court to temporarily ban its ads and issue contempt notices.
In January, a Kerala court issued bailable warrants for Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna for skipping hearings in a case related to deceptive ads by Divya Pharmacy. A similar case was also filed in Kozhikode.
