Halal-Certified Mentos Removed from Kolhapur Shop After Awareness Drive by HJS.

Hindutva Activists Demonstrate Against Halal Certification: Mentos Removed from Kolhapur Shop.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Kolhapur | Oct 25, 2025:: In a significant move, Yevale’s Milk Corner, a shop in Kolhapur city (in Maharashtra), removed Halal-certified Mentos candies (made in Indonesia) from its shelves after Hindutva activists from the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) raised awareness about the potential economic and national security implications of selling such products.

The awareness drive was led by prominent HJS members, including Shivanand Swami, Mahendra Ahire, Pritam Pawar, and Vishwas Patil, along with Sachin Bhosale and Ashok Gurav from the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh. The activists explained to the shopkeeper how the Halal certification system can harm Indian society economically and potentially support anti-national activities, including Jihadi terrorism.

The shopkeeper, understanding the concerns, immediately removed the Halal-certified Mentos from the shelves and assured that he would not sell any Halal-certified products in the future. This incident reflects the growing concerns among some groups about Halal certification in India, with organizations like HJS advocating for awareness and action against perceived economic and cultural threats.

The removal of Halal-certified Mentos candies from a Kolhapur shop after Hindutva activists raised awareness highlights growing concerns about the impact of Halal certification on India’s economy and national security.

The Role of HJS against Halal

The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has been actively working to raise awareness about the perceived negative impacts of Halal certification on India’s economy and society. As a Hindutva organization, HJS views Halal certification as a threat to Hindu interests and India’s cultural identity.

HJS argues that Halal certification creates a parallel economy, fosters discrimination, and limits job opportunities for non-Muslims. They claim that the certification process involves collecting funds, which may be misused to support anti-national activities, including terrorism.

Through awareness drives, protests, and advocacy, HJS aims to pressure businesses and policymakers to reconsider Halal certification practices in India. Their efforts have led to instances like the removal of Halal-certified products from shops, as seen in the Kolhapur case

Yogi Adityanth on Halal Implications

Halal certification has become a contentious issue, with critics arguing it creates a parallel economy, fosters discrimination, and limits job opportunities for non-Muslims. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has linked Halal certification to terrorism funding, claiming ₹25,000 crore was earned through certification, with none overseen by government bodies.

National Security Concerns

The alleged misuse of Halal certification funds for anti-national activities, including “jihadi terrorism” and “love jihad,” has raised alarms. Adityanath’s administration has initiated investigations into companies issuing Halal certificates without statutory approval, citing concerns about parallel regulatory systems and market division along religious lines.

The Debate

While some view Halal certification as religious and commercial requirement of Muslims, others see it as a threat to India’s secular framework and economic unity. Critics argue that the government’s indulgence for Halal certification risks creating parallel economy and promoting religious polarization.
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_Agency Inputs.