Pratiba Raman/Bengaluru

As Hindu groups gain ground across Karnataka rigorously campaigning against halal meat, corporate leaders have begun expressing concern over its “communal” impact on their business. The first person to opine on a public forum was Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, who tweeted saying, “Karnataka has always forged inclusive economic development and we must not allow such communal exclusion - If ITBT became communal, it would destroy our global leadership. BS Bommai (Karnataka chief minister), please resolve this growing religious divide.”

The BJP did not take this too kindly. Amit Malviya, in charge of BJP’s National Information and Technology Department, said, “It is unfortunate to see people like Kiran Shaw impose their personal, politically-coloured opinion, and conflate it with India’s leadership in the ITBT sector. Rahul Bajaj once said something similar for Gujarat; it is today a leading automobile manufacturing hub. Go figure.”

However, some business leaders expressed solidarity with Kiran Shaw. Brand consultant Harish Bijoor said, “Karnataka is peaceful and happy. Successive governments have ensured this. A peaceful atmosphere, stable state of happiness, and certainty make it conducive for good business. Controversies like these stir the pot of sentiment and cause uncertainty. Karnataka is rated high for good business. I am sure our CM Bommai will make sure this does not cascade out of proportion.”

Muslim businessmen seem to be confronted with many corporate challenges. Politician and businessman Tanveer Ahmed said that while the country is aiming to excel in artificial intelligence and machine learning, many IT giants are worried about US clients being scared to do business here. “If I have to sign an agreement, global leaders are worried that I am a Muslim. They think I will be killed. They also think that I have no power, even if I have the talent,” he explained. 

Some from the IT sector believe this issue is unnecessarily blown out of proportion. “Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan city. And I simply think the campaign against halal meat is a part of appeasement politics. I don’t think this will impact the corporate sector for I think this is not as big as it is being hyped,” said Karthik Shekhar, a techie from the state capital.

Should consumers be given a warning when it comes to halal meat?

TV Mohandas Pai, chairman of Manipal Global Education, said, “The issue is about halal having a religious leaning. So, why not carry a message or a warning? We cannot stop anyone from selling what they want. But they need to disclose that this meat is halal and that the animal is killed in the name of Allah. People can decide what they want to consume. They have a right to know. Just like cigarettes carry a warning, let there be complete disclosure when it comes to halal meat.”

Also Read: After Hijab, Karnataka seething with Halal meat row

Some corporate honchos term this as politicking done for the next election, while some others see this as politics for the next generation.