Netizens expressed disappointment over Amazon for allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments by selling 'Om' printed doormats. Social media users claim that the website purposefully introduced newly designed doormats to demean the sentiments of Hindus.
#BoycottAmazon is trending on Twitter after the e-commerce website landed in controversy. Doormats appeared on the business website of Amazon in the UK and US.
The white and green coloured mats featuring the symbol 'Om' were being sold as 'Yoga Lotus Doormat' and priced at 15.78 euros.
Twitter users responded by urging people to boycott Amazon and start purchasing from Flipkart this Diwali season. Netizens criticized the e-commerce giant and tweeted "to support local vendors and buy products from them."
A Twitter user said, "Flipkart is far better than Amazon. It just wants profit and they don't care about the faith of Hindu people. Why can't Amazon put its boss' face as doormat instead of Hindu religious symbol or put some Islam and Christian symbol also as doormat."
Amazon has been confronted with such controversies before. Netizens previously lashed at Amazon for selling mats and restroom carpets which depicted Lord Ganesha, the 'Om' symbol and the Indian banner.
Netizens compared the branding strategy by Amazon to the advertisement of Tanishq jewelers featuring an inter-faith marriage which was taken down after being alleged of promoting 'love jihad' and 'fake secularism'.
Following the flak, Amazon removed the product from its website.
(Edited by Anan Ashraf)