In a powerful show of unity, Andhra Pradesh’s Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh has publicly stood by a Muslim street vendor who faced harassment from YouTubers at a tribal fair in Telangana. The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, unfolded during the Medaram Jatra festival in Mulugu district, where vendor Sheikh Sheka Valli from Kurnool was selling his famous ‘khoya ban’ snack.
A group of YouTubers confronted Valli, forcing him to eat his own food to debunk claims of ‘food jihad’ – a controversial narrative alleging deliberate contamination by minority vendors. Lokesh, son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and TDP national general secretary, reacted swiftly on social media platform X.
‘Dear brother Valli, I’m deeply saddened by what you endured. Divisive and communal behavior has no place in our Telugu society, which has always championed harmony, mutual respect, and brotherhood,’ Lokesh posted. He promised a personal meeting to savor Valli’s delicacy, emphasizing, ‘We stand together.’
Support poured in from across the spectrum. Another AP minister, Kondapalli Srinivas, handling MSME and NRI affairs, echoed the sentiment. ‘Every hardworking person deserves dignity while earning their livelihood. Our Telugu ethos is rooted in unity and empathy,’ he wrote, praising Lokesh’s gesture as a beacon in tough times.
Srinivas stressed the need for responsible food safety awareness without insensitivity. ‘Humanity transcends religion; compassion must guide us,’ he added. Earlier, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the harassment, demanding strict legal action against the perpetrators.
Valli’s ordeal highlights growing concerns over online vigilantism targeting vendors based on faith. Social media influencers and political figures rallied behind him, criticizing the YouTubers for stoking communal tensions. Lokesh’s intervention underscores political commitment to inclusivity amid rising polarization.
As Andhra Pradesh leaders extend solidarity, the episode serves as a reminder of the Telugu region’s tradition of coexistence. Valli’s business, a humble stall offering beloved local flavors, now symbolizes resilience against hate.