Travel Influencer Faces Criticism for Vande Bharat Meal Review, Defends Opinion Against Public Backlash
Shashank Gupta, a well-known travel influencer, has recently been caught in the midst of an online controversy after sharing his positive review of the Vande Bharat Express meal. Gupta praised the food served on the Udaipur-Agra Vande Bharat Express, comparing it to the cuisine of a five-star hotel. However, this statement quickly sparked criticism, with many questioning the credibility of his review and accusing him of bias. Despite the backlash, Gupta remains firm in his stance, emphasizing that his opinion is genuine and free from external influence.
Praise for Vande Bharat Meal Sparks Criticism
Gupta's review on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted a breakfast tray that included poha, cutlets, aloo sabzi, paranthas, curd, namkeen, and a Choco-Pie dessert. His comparison of the meal to luxury hotel cuisine drew significant backlash from users, some of whom sarcastically suggested he had never experienced real five-star dining. Comments such as "If this is 5-star food, then I’m Shahrukh Khan" flooded his post, while others accused him of being paid to offer favorable feedback.
In response, Gupta took to social media to clarify his perspective, insisting that his review was based solely on his personal experience. He acknowledged that while the meal might not be on par with top-tier hotel standards, it was a significant improvement compared to regular train meals. He further reassured his audience that his feedback was honest and unbiased, not influenced by any external factors.
Credibility of Online Reviews in Question
The backlash against Gupta's review highlights a broader issue regarding the credibility of online opinions and the role of influencers in shaping public perceptions. Gupta's defense emphasized the need for open dialogue and constructive feedback, rather than hasty judgments. He urged critics to avoid name-calling and instead engage in meaningful discussion about the standards of train travel.
The Vande Bharat Express, a high-speed train introduced by Indian Railways, aims to elevate the travel experience, including the quality of food provided onboard. Gupta's review, despite being polarizing, shines a light on the evolving expectations of train travelers in India. His experience underscores the challenges influencers face when sharing their opinions online, especially when those opinions are subject to intense public scrutiny.
As the debate continues, Gupta remains steadfast in his commitment to providing authentic insights to his audience, reinforcing the importance of transparency in the world of social media reviews.
