OYO ad sparks controversy over alleged comparison to god, draws criticism from religious groups
New Delhi: OYO Rooms, led by Ritesh Aggarwal, has come under fire after releasing an advertisement that some Hindutva groups have found offensive. The controversy stems from a Hindi newspaper ad featuring the phrase "Bhagwan Har Jagah Hai" (God is everywhere), followed by "Aur OYO Bhi" (And so is OYO), implying the brand’s widespread presence.
Religious groups have condemned the ad, claiming it equates the company's omnipresence with that of God, thereby offending religious sentiments. According to reports from Bharat Samachar, protests and potential legal action are being considered against the hospitality giant, valued at over USD 2 billion.
The controversy surfaces amidst OYO’s ongoing efforts to reposition itself as a family-friendly brand. Last year, the company launched a campaign targeting family audiences, moving away from its previous association with younger, unmarried couples.
Additionally, recent policy changes in certain regions have allowed partner hotels to decide whether to accommodate unmarried couples based on local customs and traditions.
As of now, OYO has not issued an official response to the backlash surrounding the advertisement.
Did we have you in the first half? 👀https://t.co/zQCFEKEXez@oyorooms @thetanmay pic.twitter.com/ypeZko4F8b
— Ritesh Agarwal (@riteshagar) June 9, 2024
A small platform whose business runs on the money of the people of India,
— Ramurti Holkar (@__Ramholkar) February 21, 2025
Today a small company is comparing itself to God. All concerned should openly oppose this stupid organization.#BoycottOYO pic.twitter.com/xPdTy3t52s
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We received request; will decide soon whether to support TVK: Thirumavalavan
Chennai (PTI): VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan on Thursday said that his party received a request from TVK for support and the high-level committee of his party will decide whether to support the Vijay-led party to form the government.
The TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly and emerged as the single largest party. Vijay will have to resign from one of the two constituencies he has won.
Though the Congress party, which has five MLAs, has extended support to TVK, the actor-politician-led party was still short of as many seats to touch the magic number of 118, the majority mark in the 234-member House.
"We received the request letter from TVK. We are thankful for that. We have not ignored his (Vijay's) request. We have a procedure. Therefore, our party's high-level committee will decide soon. We are going to discuss the merits and demerits of our position," the VCK leader told reporters here.
With regard to the delay in the governor's call to the TVK, which is the single largest party, to form the government, Thirumavalavan requested the governor to invite Vijay to form the government. "It is a constitutional right and people's verdict," he added.
Asserting that the governor cannot say that Vijay should hold 118 MLAs' support now itself to form the government, he said that after taking over power, Vijay has to prove an absolute majority only on the floor of the Assembly.
VIDEO | Chennai: VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan (@thirumaofficial) says, “The Governor has no right to ask Vijay to prove his numbers or absolute majority of 118 before inviting him to form the government. He should first assume charge as Chief Minister, as it is the people’s… pic.twitter.com/sok3faXWBT
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 7, 2026
