Telugu pride took center stage when AP IT Minister Nara Lokesh championed Sheikh Sheka Valli, the Muslim entrepreneur from Kurnool harassed at Telangana’s Medaram tribal fest. YouTubers at Mulugu’s Jatra forced the ‘khoya ban’ seller to eat his ware amid ‘food jihad’ rhetoric, drawing national attention.
Lokesh, scion of TDP and CM Naidu’s son, posted on X: ‘Deeply hurt by your ordeal, dear Valli. No room for communal divides in our harmonious Telugu world.’ He assured a personal rendezvous: ‘Can’t wait to try your famous khoya ban. Together we stand.’
MSME Minister Kondapalli Srinivas backed him: ‘Respect for toil is sacred. Our unity defines us.’ He hailed Lokesh’s approach as vital leadership and advocated sensitive hygiene checks: ‘Compassion outranks creed.’
Owaisi’s prior outrage called for legal repercussions against the harassers. Widespread acclaim for Valli from social circles condemned the stunt.
This saga underscores tensions between viral fame and real harm, especially targeting minority vendors. AP’s intervention bridges state lines, reinforcing shared heritage.
Lokesh’s endorsement may elevate Valli’s stall into a symbol of resilience. In an era of digital witch-hunts, such gestures affirm politics’ role in healing divides.
The Telugu belt’s response reaffirms its legacy of brotherhood, urging creators to wield influence responsibly.