Aid pours in for AP Muslim vendor targeted over `food jihad’ rumors in Medaram

Amaravati: Financial aid continued to pour in for a sweet vendor from Andhra Pradesh who was allegedly harassed during the recent Medaram Jatara in Telangana.

It has triggered widespread outrage across the Telugu states. Leaders cutting across party lines have expressed solidarity with the sweet vendor.

Shaik Shaiksha Vali, a small trader from Kurnool district, was reportedly confronted by a group of YouTubers while selling his popular regional delicacy, “Kova bun”, at the tribal fair in Mulugu district.

The individuals allegedly forced him to eat the sweet he was selling to “prove” that he was not indulging in what they termed as “food jihad”, leading to public condemnation and calls for action.

Minority Rights Panel extends ₹50,000 Aid

The Minority Rights Protection Committee stepped forward to support Vali by providing financial assistance of Rs 50,000. The amount was handed over by Andhra Pradesh Urdu Academy Chairman and Committee State President Farooq Shubli, who met the vendor and members of his team.

Shubli said there is no place for religious hatred in the Telugu states and described the collective support extended to Vali as a reflection of communal harmony. He also urged the government to take measures to promote and develop the Kova bun industry, which sustains several small traders and traditional sweet makers.

Vali and his associates later visited the committee’s office in Vijayawada to express gratitude and interact with community leaders.

Coalition leaders condemn incident

Leaders from the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh also voiced strong support for the vendor.

The Telugu Desam Party condemned the incident, with State Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh stating that divisive and communal behaviour has no place in Telugu society, which has historically upheld harmony and mutual respect.

"Dear Brother Vali, I am deeply sorry that you had to endure this. Such divisive and communal behaviour has no place in our Telugu society, which has always stood for harmony, mutual respect, and brotherhood,” Lokesh posted on X.

“I will meet you soon and look forward to tasting your famous Khoya bun! We stand together,” added Lokesh, who is the national general secretary of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The Jana Sena Party also extended solidarity. Party MLC Nagababu met Vali and provided ₹25,000 in financial assistance, assuring him of continued support. He said the coalition government stands firmly with small traders and will ensure their protection.

Nagababu noted that several vendors had expressed fear following the incident and that Vali had been unable to carry on business during Shivaratri due to anxiety. He emphasised that food safety regulation is the responsibility of authorised agencies and should not be interpreted through a communal lens.

Ministers Call for Dignity and Compassion

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu described the harassment as inhuman and unacceptable. In a post on X, he remarked that hunger has no caste and self-respect has no religion, asserting that every individual earning a livelihood deserves dignity.

He criticised attempts to humiliate a small vendor for social media attention and thanked citizens who rallied in support of Vali, saying their response demonstrated that compassion and humanity remain strong in society.

Owaisi demands strict legal action against ‘Communal Intimidation’ at Medaram Jatara

Earlier, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi strongly condemned the harassment of a Muslim by certain YouTubers in Medaram Jatara.

Owaisi sought immediate and stringent action against those responsible, stating that such acts of intimidation and communal targeting are unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly under the law.

Appeal for Communal Harmony

The incident has sparked broader discussions about communal sensitivity and the protection of small traders at large public gatherings. Political leaders and social organisations have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding livelihoods and promoting harmony across communities.

As support continues to reach Vali, the episode has become a rallying point for reaffirming the values of coexistence and mutual respect in the Telugu states.