A social media influencer’s video about communal harmony has sparked controversy, prompting the content creator to delete the video and issue an apology.
The video, posted by Atharva Sudame, a social media influencer known for his humorous content, showed him purchasing an idol of Lord Ganesh from a Muslim seller in Pune. In the video, the shopkeeper’s young son addresses Sudame as “abbu,” revealing the seller’s faith. The shopkeeper then appears uncomfortable, suggesting that Sudame might refuse to purchase the idol after learning about his faith. Sudame responds by asking what difference it would make if he purchased the idol from him, and conveys a message of social harmony by stating that the shopkeeper must have had good intentions while making the idol.
However, the video triggered widespread criticism online, with several users accusing Sudame of “pushing a secular agenda.” The backlash led to Sudame deleting the video and issuing an apology for unintentionally hurting feelings.
