Image for representation.
Credit: iStock Photo
Hyderabad: The age-old adage 'Jaha Na Pahuche Bailgaadi Waha Pahuche Marwari' (Where bullock carts cannot reach, Marwaris do), which traditionally celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of traders from Rajasthan and Gujarat, is proving counterproductive in Telangana.
The 'Marwari go back' sentiment now echoes across several parts of the state.
While anti-Marwari feelings have existed among the trading community, especially among Arya Vysyas, they gained momentum following a recent altercation in Monda Market during vehicle parking between a group of Dalit youth and Marwadis last month.
This incident has elevated anti-Marwari feelings to new heights and 'Marwari go back' flyers are seen on social media and other discussions. In Amangal town of Ranga Reddy district, local traders called for a bandh on August 18 to protest Marwari dominance in trade and business activities. However, the strike was called off at the last minute following intervention by local leaders.
A roundtable organised in Hyderabad on the issue passed several resolutions, including demands that businesses and industries established by people from other states should provide 89 per cent of jobs to locals. The forum also called for legislation to protect local businesses and prevent non-Telangana residents from purchasing land in the state. Additionally, it urged Telangana residents to refuse assistance to Gujarati and Rajasthani traders and boycott their goods.
"This is not about asking every Marwari to go back. We are only against the exploitation of our resources at the cost of petty traders. The government must ensure that outsiders cannot start businesses in towns and places with less than 5 lakh population. They don't even employ locals," Telangana Kranti Dal president Sangamreddy Prithviraj told DH.
Representatives of Arya Vysya, Viswabrahmin, and Viswakarma associations expressed concern that Marwaris are infiltrating Telangana villages and destroying their livelihoods.
However, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar came out strongly in support of the Marwari community. He criticised what he termed as 'dramas' staged by Congress, BRS, and AIMIM leaders under the guise of communist ideology.
"What is wrong if Marwaris run businesses? Marwaris have never scrambled for political power, nor have they looted Telangana. They have created wealth through business and contributed significantly to GDP growth. They work for the preservation of Hindu Sanatana Dharma. Why should Marwaris leave Telangana?" he questioned.
Bandi Sanjay alleged that conspiracies have begun to divide the Hindu community.
He warned that if Congress and BRS continue the 'Marwari Go Back' movements, the BJP will launch large-scale agitations to protect Hindu caste-based occupations, specifically opposing mutton shops and dry-cleaning shops run by one particular group. He also announced that the 'Rohingyas Go Back' movement will be intensified.