Kova Bun Row Sparks Outrage, Leaders Rally Behind Vendor

“Hunger has no caste… self-respect has no religion.” This message is now resonating across the two Telugu states. The humiliation faced by a small-time vendor, Shekshavali, who travelled nearly 500 kilometres from Kurnool to the Medaram Jatara to support his family, has moved many. In an apparent bid to gain ‘views’ on social media, some individuals allegedly targeted the impoverished vendor and harassed him in the name of religion, triggering widespread outrage.

Shekshavali was selling kova buns for ₹10 each at the jatara when a few YouTubers confronted him on allegations of “food adulteration.” They reportedly invoked religious issues and intimidated him. Despite the vendor being visibly distressed and in tears before the camera, the individuals continued questioning him. Netizens have sharply criticised the conduct, asking, “There are authorities to check food quality, but who gave them the right to stop and harass a poor man on the road?”

Minister Nara Lokesh responded to the incident, addressing Vali as “brother.” He said, “There is no place for divisive politics in Telugu society. Harassing a small vendor like this is inhuman.” Lokesh also announced that he would soon meet Vali and taste his kova bun in solidarity. Observers noted that it is significant for a minister to respond at this level to protect the dignity of a small trader.

Jana Sena Party General Secretary K. Nagababu issued a detailed response, stating, “The overenthusiasm of a few individuals has today left a family without food. In urban areas, 40 per cent of people depend on street vendors for food.” He emphasised that matters relating to food safety must be handled by authorised officials, not by individuals taking the law into their own hands, and assured that the government stands by small vendors who earn their livelihood legally.

Nandyal MP Byreddy Shabari also reacted, saying, “Hunger has no caste, self-respect has no religion,” underlining that humanity is paramount. She condemned the alleged act of choking a poor man’s livelihood for YouTube “likes” and reiterated, “Do not paint hunger with the colours of caste or religion.”

While some argue that food quality should not be compromised, citing incidents such as the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddu, the majority opinion holds that there are lawful authorities to inspect quality and that harassment in the name of religion is unjustified.

Currently in Kurnool, Shekshavali is receiving strong support from locals, who describe him as a hardworking individual who consistently provides quality food. Many have contacted his family through social media to offer financial and moral support. Citizens have urged that no one should be accused without evidence and alleged that such acts are intended only to spread religious hatred. People from different faiths have responded to the incident, reinforcing that humanity and human values are greater than religious divides.