A Russian brewery has led to controversy by reportedly using Mahatma Gandhi’s image on its beer packaging, setting off a backlash among Indian social media users. The brand in question is Rewort and has been called out for its image of India’s honored leader on an alcoholic beverage—an act many considered as disrespectful given Gandhi’s lifelong stance against alcohol consumption.

The scandal picked up pace when social worker Shri Suparno Satpathy posted pictures of the beer can on X (formerly Twitter), asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act. Satpathy in his tweet stated, "My humble request with PM @narendramodi Ji is to take up this matter with his friend @KremlinRussia_E. It has been found that Russia's Rewort is selling Beer in the name of GandhiJi… SS (sic)."

Following his post, many Indian netizens shared similar sentiments, calling for diplomatic intervention and swift action against the brand. Some demanded an official response from the Indian government, while others suggested a boycott of Rewort products to protest the perceived disrespect.

Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions condemning the brewery’s decision to associate Gandhi’s name and image with alcohol. One user posted, “Shocking & unacceptable. A Russian brewery, Rewort, is selling beer named ‘Mahatma G.’ mocking the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi… an icon of peace and abstinence. This is an insult to India’s values & a billion Indians. I urge PM @narendramodi and @DrSJaishankar Ji to take up this matter with @mfa_russia. Gandhi Ji is not a brand for alcohol… this must stop. #RespectGandhi #India.”

Another user condemned the action by making a sarcastic comment, "A Russian firm is selling beer called Mahatma Gandhi—because nothing says 'respecting a fierce anti-alcoholist' like putting his name on a liquor bottle."

Another user called for a ban on the product, saying, “A Russian company is selling beer named after Mahatma Gandhi—because nothing says ‘honoring a staunch opponent of alcohol’ like slapping his name on a booze bottle.”

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