‘Anti-Kannada Mindset’: BJP Slams Congress Over Tamannaah Bhatia As Mysore Sandal Soap’s New Face – Delhi News Daily

Last Updated:February 10, 2026, 16:16 IST

Tamannaah Bhatia will serve a two-year term as brand ambassador of state-run KSDL, the maker of Karnataka’s iconic, century-old Mysuru Sandal Soap.

Tamannaah Bhatia, who is Mumbai-born and of Sindhi Hindu origin, has worked extensively in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema.

The appointment of actor Tamannaah Bhatia as the new brand ambassador of Karnataka’s iconic Mysuru Sandal Soap has triggered a political row in the state, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the ruling Congress government of having an “anti-Kannada mindset”.

The controversy began after Karnataka Industries Minister M B Patil announced on Monday that Bhatia would begin a two-year tenure as the brand ambassador of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the state-owned company that manufactures the century-old Mysuru Sandal Soap. The actor has been signed for a reported fee of Rs 6.2 crore.

Responding to the announcement, BJP MP Sudhakar K launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government in a post on social media platform X on Tuesday. Questioning the decision, he alleged that the government had ignored Kannada film stars despite the presence of several popular actors from the state.

In his post, Sudhakar K said the Congress government had appointed “a film actress from another state and another language” as the face of Karnataka’s internationally recognised brand, calling it further proof of the party’s “anti-Kannada mindset”.

He named several Kannada actresses, including Ramya, Rashmika Mandanna, Srinidhi Shetty, Pooja Hegde and Rukmini Vasanth, stating that they had achieved national and international recognition while representing Kannada pride.

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Calling the move an insult to Karnataka’s talent and a dishonour to Mysuru Sandal Soap’s legacy, the BJP MP noted, “Kannadigas will never forgive this anti-Kannada, traitor Congress party.”

Meanwhile, MB Patil defended the government’s choice and outlined the broader business strategy behind the appointment. In a post on X, Patil said KSDL, founded over a century ago during the reign of Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, was entering a “transformative new phase” with a clear vision for the future.

He said Mysuru Sandal Soap was being given a refreshed identity as part of an ambitious plan to expand its presence across North India and beyond. According to Patil, Bhatia’s appointment was aimed at strengthening the brand’s pan-India appeal, supported by increased focus on digital marketing, export expansion and innovation.

“With a focus on digital marketing, export expansion, and innovation, KSDL aims for a ₹5,000 crore turnover by 2030 – a bold stride by this Karnataka government enterprise towards becoming a global brand,” the Congress leader noted.

Tamannaah Bhatia, who is Mumbai-born and of Sindhi Hindu origin, has worked extensively in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema. There has been no comment from the actor so far on the political controversy surrounding her appointment.

KSDL, which has a legacy of more than 100 years, currently manufactures 57 products, ranging from its flagship Mysuru Sandal Soap to detergents, cosmetics and even packaged drinking water.

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