A recent OYO ad featuring Ritesh Agarwal has generated controversy and been criticized by a number of groups.
Financial Express claims that OYO’s half-page advertisement in a Hindi publication offended some people’s religious feelings.
“Bhagwan Har Jagah Hai. Aur OYO Bhi.” (Meaning: God is everywhere and so is OYO).
was the tagline of the advertisement.
For certain Hindu groups, this analogy between the national presence of OYO and the omnipresence of God was insulting.
As a result, OYO faced backlash on social media. Many users and Hindu organizations called for a boycott of the company and demanded an apology. The hashtag **#BoycottOYO** started trending across social media platforms.
One user expressed their anger, stating, *”OYO has insulted Hindu beliefs! How dare they compare themselves to God? They must apologize immediately and remove this ridiculous ad, or they will face protests in every city!”*
OYO ने हिंदू आस्था पर हमला किया है! खुद को भगवान से तुलना करने की हिम्मत कहां से आई? तुरंत माफी मांगो और ये बेहूदा एड हटाओ, वरना OYO का हर शहर में विरोध होगा! हिंदू अब चुप नहीं रहेगा! #BoycottOYO pic.twitter.com/Tflp3VPIEV
— सत्य सनातन 'मोदी का परिवार' (@REAL___HINDUVT) February 21, 2025
Several others echoed similar sentiments, urging the company to take down the advertisement and issue an official statement.
OYO Controversy Extends Beyond the Ad
Interestingly, this isn’t the only aspect of OYO’s branding that has come under scrutiny. The debate has also reached the company’s logo.
In a past interview, OYO’s founder, Ritesh Agarwal, mentioned that the company’s logo was inspired by Lord Jagannath. He explained that the two ‘O’s in the logo represent the deity’s eyes, while the ‘Y’ symbolizes the nose.
Religious organizations have demanded an official explanation and even urged OYO to reevaluate its branding in response to this disclosure, which has further stoked the dispute. Critics contend that it is improper and disrespectful to use religious imagery for commercial branding.
It is unclear how OYO will handle these issues and react to public opinion as the outcry persists.
