Andhra Pradesh’s Education and Information Technology Minister, Nara Lokesh, has expressed solidarity with a Muslim vendor, Shaik Shaiksha Vali, who faced harassment by YouTubers at the recent Medaram Jatara in Telangana. Vali, from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, was selling ‘Khoya bun’, a local delicacy, at the tribal fair in Mulugu district. YouTubers forced Vali to eat his own food to disprove what they termed as “food jihad.”
Lokesh, a key figure in the Telugu Desam Party and son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, apologized to Vali for the incident. He emphasized that such divisive actions have no place in Telugu society, known for its unity and respect for all. Vali received widespread support from his town residents, social media influencers, and political parties who criticized the YouTubers’ behavior.
Minister Kondapalli Srinivas also stood in solidarity with Vali, emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals’ dignity while they earn a living. Srinivas highlighted the values of harmony and togetherness in Telugu society and commended Lokesh for his decision to meet Vali personally. He stressed the need for responsible and sensitive approaches to issues like food safety and public awareness, emphasizing the supremacy of humanity over religious differences.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi strongly condemned the harassment of a Muslim individual by YouTubers at Medaram Jatara. Owaisi called for immediate and strict action against the perpetrators, denouncing such acts of intimidation and communal targeting as unacceptable and warranting legal consequences.
