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Amazon's Gandhi flip-flops stir controversy in India
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Just a few days ago, Amazon was forced to stop selling doormats featuring the national flag of India, following demands for an apology as well as a warning of strict action against the company by Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj. (Shutterstock/File)
The sale of pink flip-flops bearing the face of Mahatma Gandhi, India’s independence icon, by Amazon USA has sparked outrage.
Twitter user Mayank Parmar posted the following on Sunday regarding the circulated screengrabs of the US$16.99 item, “#Amazon should be banned in India. They have crossed the limit. This is ridiculous!”
Another user, Ashok Tanwar, posted, “#Amazon must rollback its slippers with the face of Mahatma Gandhi on it. Respect our leaders and avoid controversy.”
(Read also: Amazon plans to hire 100,000 over the next 18 months)
Amazon in danger again! Features Gandhi's picture on Flip-Flops After Tricolour Doormats! https://t.co/aJeKMWM2ei
— India Samvad (@india_samvad) January 15, 2017
Ironically, the flip-flops were described on the website as a product that “will look great and make someone smile.” According to AFP, Amazon could not be contacted for comment, but the item has apparently been removed from the company’s website.
Just a few days ago, Amazon was forced to stop selling doormats featuring the national flag of India, following demands for an apology as well as a warning of strict action against the company by Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Amazon has already made plans to invest $5 billion in the country after getting into the cut-throat, fast-expanding e-commerce market in 2013. A spokesman of the ministry reportedly commented that the “Ambassador in Washington has been instructed to convey to Amazon that while providing a platform for third-party vendors, they should respect Indian sensitivities and sentiments”. (nik/kes)
