Amaravati, Feb 15 (NationPress) Financial aid and an outpouring of support have been witnessed from numerous organizations and political factions for a Muslim vendor from Andhra Pradesh who reportedly faced harassment by a group during the recent Medaram Jatara in neighboring Telangana.

The Minority Rights Protection Committee provided a financial boost of Rs 50,000 to Shaik Shaiksha Vali, the vendor from Kurnool district, who had journeyed to the tribal fair to sell traditional sweets.

Vali was offering ‘Kova bun’, a famous delicacy from his region, at the fair in Telangana’s Mulugu district when a group of YouTubers allegedly coerced him to consume his own product to prove he was not engaging in what they termed as “food jihad”.

This incident sparked widespread outrage and rebuke from various sectors of society, with political parties, social organizations, and community leaders rallying behind the vendor.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), part of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh, also showed its support for Vali.

State Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh stated that such divisive and communal actions have no place in Telugu society, which has a historical commitment to harmony, mutual respect, and communal unity.

Farooq Shubli, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Urdu Academy and State President of the Minority Rights Protection Committee, met Vali and presented him with financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for him and his team.

“There is no room for religious hatred in the Telugu states. It’s uplifting to see individuals from all communities supporting Vali following the Medaram Kova bun incident. The coalition government is dedicated to fostering communal harmony,” he remarked.

He also called for governmental support for the development and promotion of the Kova bun industry, vital for small traders and traditional sweet vendors.

Vali and his associates later visited the office of the Minority Rights Protection Committee in Vijayawada to discuss with Shubli and other leaders.

The Jana Sena Party, another coalition partner, also expressed solidarity with the vendor.

Jana Sena MLC Nagababu met Vali and provided financial aid of Rs 25,000, promising ongoing support.

Nagababu, brother of Jana Sena President and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, stated that the coalition government stands firmly with small traders and will ensure their protection.

He expressed regret that certain individuals tried to instill fear and anxiety in someone simply trying to support his family through lawful means.

“After the incident, many small traders voiced their concerns. The vendor conveyed his worry about conducting business during Shivaratri due to fear, leading us to provide Rs 25,000 in support,” he mentioned.

He added that food safety authorities are in place to oversee and regulate food quality, and such incidents shouldn’t be interpreted through a communal or religious lens.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu condemned the incident, labeling the vendor's harassment as inhumane and intolerable.

In a post on X, he noted that hunger knows no caste and self-respect transcends religion.

He emphasized that every individual striving for a livelihood deserves dignity and respect.

“Subjecting a small vendor to humiliation for social media views is utterly condemnable. Such behavior cannot be justified under any circumstances. Society must extend support and encouragement instead of harassment,” he asserted.

He also expressed gratitude to citizens and social media users who showed solidarity with the vendor.

“Your response demonstrates that humanity and compassion remain resilient. Supporting those in distress is a shared responsibility for both society and the government. We will continue to stand by the vendor,” he concluded.