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Andhra Minister Lokesh Backs Muslim Vendor Harassed by YouTubers at Fair

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has publicly supported a Muslim vendor, Shaik Shaiksha Vali, who faced harassment from a group of YouTubers during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana. The YouTubers made Vali eat the food he was selling, accusing him of "food jihad," which Lokesh condemned as divisive behavior alien to Telugu society. Lokesh, the TDP national general secretary, apologized to Vali and announced plans to meet him personally to taste his famous Khoya bun. Other politicians, including Minister Kondapalli Srinivas and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, have also condemned the incident and called for action against the perpetrators.

Key Points: AP Minister Lokesh Supports Muslim Vendor Harassed at Medaram Jatara

  • Minister condemns harassment of Muslim vendor
  • YouTubers accused vendor of "food jihad"
  • Lokesh pledges personal meeting and support
  • Other politicians also voice solidarity
  • Incident occurred at Telangana's Medaram Jatara
2 min read

Andhra Pradesh minister Lokesh comes out in support of Muslim vendor

Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh condemns harassment of vendor Shaik Shaiksha Vali by YouTubers, pledges to meet him and taste his famous Khoya bun.

"Such divisive and communal behaviour has no place in our Telugu society - Nara Lokesh"

Amaravati, Feb 15

Andhra Pradesh minister for education and information technology Nara Lokesh has come out in support of a Muslim vendor who faced harassment by some YouTubers during the recent Medaram Jatara in Telangana.

Lokesh reacted to the media reports about the harassment of Shaik Shaiksha Vali, the vendor from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

Shaik Shaiksha Vali was selling 'Khoya bun', a famous food from his region, during the tribal fair in Telangana's Mulugu district.

A group of YouTubers made Vali eat the food he was selling to prove he was not committing what they called "food jihad".

"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 vendor has received support from residents in his town, as well as several social media influencers and political parties, who slammed the YouTubers for making such divisive videos.

Meanwhile, Minister for MSEM, SERP and NRI empowerment and relations, Kondapalli Srinivas, has also come out in support of Vali.

"Every hardworking individual deserves dignity and respect while earning their livelihood. Our Telugu society has always been rooted in harmony, empathy, and togetherness, and it is our shared responsibility to protect these values," he posted on X while appreciating Lokesh for his decision to personally meet Vali. He said this reflects the importance of standing with people during difficult moments.

"Food safety and public awareness are important, but they must be approached with responsibility and sensitivity. Humanity is greater than religion, and compassion must guide our actions," added the minister.

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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, a politician speaking sense! This divisive behavior by some YouTubers for cheap views is destroying our social fabric. Telugu society has always been about "Bhaichara". Let the man sell his khoya buns in peace.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the minister's support, I hope this isn't just political posturing before elections. Real support means ensuring these YouTubers face legal consequences and creating an environment where such harassment doesn't happen again.
V
Vikram M
As a foodie from Andhra, I've had khoya bun from Muslim vendors many times. It's delicious! This is about livelihood, not religion. These so-called vigilantes are a disgrace. Good on Lokesh and Srinivas for speaking up.
A
Aman W
The minister said it perfectly - "Humanity is greater than religion." We have bigger issues like inflation and unemployment to worry about than harassing a poor vendor. Hope Vali's business gets a boost from all this support.
K
Kavitha C
This is the India I know and love – where people stand up for each other. Heartwarming to see the local residents and influencers also supporting Vali. Let's focus on being good humans first. ❤️

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