Andhra Vendor Faces Harassment at Medaram Jatara, Sparks Outrage
Shaik Shaiksha Vali, a vendor from Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh, has become the center of a controversy after allegedly being harassed during the recent Medaram Jatara in Telangana. Vali had traveled to the tribal fair in Mulugu district to sell 'Kova bun', a traditional sweet from his region. During the event, a group of youths reportedly forced him to eat the food he was selling, accusing him of what they termed "food jihad". This incident has ignited widespread condemnation across social media and from political leaders.
Political Leaders Rally in Support of the Vendor
Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed solidarity with Vali, describing the episode as deeply disturbing. In a post on X, Lokesh emphasized that such divisive and communal behavior has no place in Telugu society, which he said is rooted in harmony, mutual respect, and brotherhood. He also announced plans to meet Vali soon, stating, "Dear Brother Vali, I am deeply sorry that you had to endure this. Such divisive and communal behavior has no place in our Telugu society, which has always stood for harmony, mutual respect, and brotherhood. I will meet you soon and look forward to tasting your famous Khoya bun! We stand together."
Condemnation from Other Ministers and Leaders
Support for Vali extended to other members of the ruling coalition. Minister Kondapalli Srinivas highlighted that every hardworking individual deserves dignity and respect while earning a livelihood. He stressed that while food safety and public awareness are important, they must be handled with responsibility and sensitivity, adding that "humanity is greater than religion".
Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu also condemned the harassment, calling it inhuman and unacceptable. In a post on X, he remarked, "Hunger has no caste and self-respect has no religion," and criticized the act of humiliating a poor vendor for social media views as deeply condemnable.
Broader Reactions and Demands for Action
Earlier, Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the incident and demanded strict legal action against those responsible. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about communal harmony and the protection of small-scale vendors. The outpouring of support underscores a collective call for justice and respect in society.
