We examine the controversial comments of A2B owner KT Srinivasa Raja, which might have a huge impact on the future of Adyar Ananda Bhavan with people calling for its boycott on Twitter
A controversy erupted when KT Srinivasa Raja, the managing director of the renowned restaurant chain Adyar Ananda Bhavan, claimed that Dravidian leader and reformist Periyar had made it feasible for individuals from all castes to establish vegetarian restaurants. Hindu right-wing groups, such as the Hindu Makkal Katchi, expressed their disapproval of Srinivasa’s statements and, in solidarity with Brahmins, called for a boycott of A2B in anticipation of the festive season.
Why is boycott A2B trending on Twitter after video of staff disrespecting Narikuravar man goes viral
சொரியனை தூக்கிட்டு எவன் வந்தாலும் தமிழின விரோதி தான் #boycott_A2B அடையார் ஆனந்த பவனை புறக்கணிப்போம் pic.twitter.com/ykMrroXbJc
— Minjur saleem (@Minjursaleem) October 21, 2023
உணவில் அரசியலையும் சாதியையும் சித்தரித்து வன்மத்தை கக்கும் அடையாறு ஆனந்த பவன் உரிமையாளர் KT சீனிவாச ராஜன்….??#boycottA2B #A2B pic.twitter.com/OtlIY4Ecce
— Lt Col N Thiagarajan Veteran (@NTR_NationFirst) October 21, 2023
Why people might boycott A2B ahead of the festive season?
A2B (Adyar Ananda Bhavan) has recently been entangled in a series of controversies due to its owner, KT Srinivasa Raja, expressing admiration for the controversial Dravidian ideologue EV Ramasamy Naicker. Notably, Naicker is infamous for his strong animosity toward Hindus and Hindu deities and for advocating the eradication of the Tamil Brahmin community. The controversy began when Chitra Lakshmanan, a former film personality turned YouTuber, conducted an interview with KT Srinivasa Raja, the Managing Director of Adyar Ananda Bhavan.
In the interview, Chitra Lakshmanan inquired about Raja’s opinion on the transformation in the hotel industry, particularly vegetarian restaurants, which were once predominantly operated by Iyers. The owner of Adyar Ananda Bhavan responded that Thanthai Periyar is the primary catalyst for this transformation. This statement by the owner of A2B, which praised EVR, known for his vehement anti-Hindu sentiments, received widespread criticism, with many people calling for a boycott of the establishment.
Why netizens slammed A2B owner as a hypocrite, who doesn’t follow his own preaching?
Amidst this controversy, an incident has emerged, shedding light on what some perceive as the hypocrisy of the A2B owner. The Tamil Facebook channel, PoliTalks, attempted to create a vlog for their channel when they encountered a disadvantaged Narikuravar man struggling to afford a meal. Vignesh Vasudev, a member of PoliTalks, approached the man and offered him food and a sweet box, considering it was Navratri. Coincidentally, they chose to visit the Adyar Ananda Bhavan outlet in Anna Nagar, Chennai.
The Narikuravar man initially hesitated to enter the restaurant, but Vignesh managed to convince him to come inside. In response, the A2B staff stated that not everyone was allowed to enter the restaurant. The intimidating and impolite conduct of the staff left the Narikuravar man feeling uncomfortable, and he was on the verge of leaving without having a meal or taking anything with him. Many people on social media have shared PoliTalks’ revelation, criticizing the A2B owner for not practicing what he preaches.
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