Tensions flared in Visakhapatnam as members of the Hindu organization, Janajagaran Samithi, staged a protest in front of Karachi Bakery, demanding an immediate change to its name. The protestors questioned the use of the name "Karachi," a city in Pakistan, especially given the strained relations between India and Pakistan. They argued that such names hurt national sentiments and that businesses operating in India should prioritize patriotism and national dignity by avoiding associations with perceived hostile nations.
The protests occurred in the wake of a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which further fueled anti-Pakistan sentiments across India. The Janajagaran Samithi activists held placards with slogans demanding the removal of the "Karachi" name and urging respect for India. They also called on the central government to file a sedition case against the bakery owners if they refuse to change the name.
This isn't the first time Karachi Bakery has faced such protests. In 2019, following the Pulwama attack, the Karachi Bakery in Bengaluru was forced to cover the word "Karachi" on its signboard after demonstrations. The bakery later clarified that it was an Indian company established in 1953 by Khanchand Ramnani, who migrated from Sindh, Pakistan, during the partition. The company emphasized its Indian identity and urged the public to avoid misconceptions.
The Karachi Bakery in Visakhapatnam has been operating since 2015. It is located in Dwaraka Nagar and is known for its variety of baked goods, including cookies, Osmania biscuits, and other treats. The bakery has garnered a significant customer base and positive reviews over the years.
The protests in Visakhapatnam raise questions about the impact of political tensions on businesses with names that evoke associations with Pakistan. While Karachi Bakery has a long history in India and is owned by Indian citizens, the current climate has made it a target for groups expressing nationalist sentiments. It remains to be seen how the bakery will respond to the demands for a name change and whether similar protests will occur at other locations.
