Vendor Harassed Over "Food Jihad" Claims; Owaisi Files Hate Speech Complaint

A vendor selling buns at the Medaram Jatara festival was wrongly accused of "food jihad" by some online reporters. Many people have shown support for the vendor. Also, a politician has complained about a video he says is hate speech.
By Newsroom | Social Issues, Politics |

A street vendor selling buns at the Medaram Jatara festival faced accusations of "food jihad" by YouTubers, sparking widespread condemnation and support for the vendor. Concurrently, politician Asaduddin Owaisi lodged a complaint against the Chief Minister of Assam regarding an alleged hate speech video.

Owaisi demands action against YouTubers targeting vendor at Medaram Jatara - 1

*The Medaram Jatara festival, a significant tribal gathering, became the scene of a controversy involving a street vendor. YouTubers from the "Tejaswi News" channel reportedly approached a vendor named Shaik Shaiksha Vali, questioning the quality and pricing of his khova buns. These interactions, captured and shared online, led to accusations of "food jihad" being leveled against the vendor. The questioning focused on the absence of manufacturing and expiration dates on the product and its low selling price of ₹10, suggesting something was amiss. The vendor explained he worked for a boss who provided the ingredients. Following the circulation of these videos, considerable support has emerged for the vendor from local residents, influencers, and even political parties. Many have come forward to purchase his buns and vouch for their quality, with some stating they are long-time customers without prior issues. Separately, Asaduddin Owaisi, a prominent political figure, has filed a complaint with the Hyderabad Police Commissioner against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The complaint centers on an alleged "violent" video posted on social media that purportedly shows the Assam Chief Minister targeting Muslims. Owaisi claims this video, along with past statements, constitutes hate speech and incites enmity between religious communities.

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Owaisi demands action against YouTubers targeting vendor at Medaram Jatara - 2

Background and Timeline

The events unfolded over the past few days, primarily concerning two separate incidents:

Owaisi demands action against YouTubers targeting vendor at Medaram Jatara - 3

  • Medaram Jatara Vendor Incident:

  • YouTubers from "Tejaswi News" reportedly approached a vendor, identified as Shaik Shaiksha Vali, at the Medaram Jatara.

  • Videos circulated online showed the YouTubers questioning the vendor about his products, with accusations of "food jihad" being made.

  • The questioning specifically targeted the product's pricing and the absence of expiration dates.

  • Following the video's release, widespread condemnation of the YouTubers' actions and support for the vendor emerged online and in local communities.

  • Influencers and residents began publicly supporting the vendor by purchasing his products.

  • Owaisi's Complaint Against Assam CM:

  • Multiple news outlets reported that Asaduddin Owaisi filed a complaint with the Hyderabad Police Commissioner.

  • The complaint was lodged against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

  • The core of the complaint is an alleged "violent" or "hate speech" video posted by Sarma on social media.

  • The video, reportedly shared on the Assam BJP's X handle and later deleted, is described as showing Sarma symbolically shooting at Muslims.

  • Owaisi’s complaint cites this video and Sarma's alleged past statements as deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings and promote enmity.

  • Owaisi invoked a Supreme Court ruling on suo motu action against hate speech in his complaint.

  • The Assam Chief Minister has reportedly responded, stating he is willing to face legal action if a case is filed.

Evidence and Key Observations

Harassment of Vendor at Medaram Jatara

  • Video Content: Online videos show individuals, identified as being from "Tejaswi News," questioning vendor Shaik Shaiksha Vali.

  • Specific accusations included "food jihad" and doubts about product safety due to low price (₹10) and lack of dates.

  • The vendor stated he worked for a boss who supplied ingredients.

  • Public Reaction:

  • Widespread criticism online targeting the YouTubers for alleged harassment for "views and likes."

  • Support poured in for the vendor, with influencers and locals visiting him and buying his buns.

  • Customers confirmed they had been buying the product for years without issues.

  • Allegations:

  • Accusations of "food jihad" against the vendor.

  • Doubts raised about the origin and safety of the "khova buns."

Owaisi's Complaint Against Assam CM

  • Complaint Details:

  • Asaduddin Owaisi filed a formal complaint with the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner.

  • The complaint targets Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over an alleged "violent" or "hate speech" video.

  • Owaisi alleges Sarma has a history of making statements against the Muslim community.

  • The video is described as showing Sarma aiming and firing a gun at AI-generated visuals of Muslims, with captions like "Point blank shot" and "No Mercy."

  • Legal Basis Cited:

  • Owaisi invoked a Supreme Court directive for police to take suo motu action against hate speech.

  • The complaint states Sarma's alleged actions are "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of Muslims, promote hatred and ill-will between religious communities and incite communal violence."

  • Assam CM's Response:

  • Himanta Biswa Sarma reportedly stated he has "no objection if legal action is taken against him" and would face arrest if a case is filed.

  • He also claimed ignorance about the specific video.

Allegations of "Food Jihad" and Targeting

The interaction with the vendor at Medaram Jatara has been framed by some reports as an instance of "food jihad" accusations.

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  • Questioning of Vendor: YouTubers reportedly focused on the absence of manufacturing/expiration dates on the buns and their low price point.

  • This line of questioning has been interpreted by critics as a deliberate attempt to create suspicion around a Muslim vendor's products.

  • Vendor's Explanation: Shaik Shaiksha Vali indicated that he was employed and received ingredients from his employer.

  • Public Support: The widespread support from locals and influencers suggests a rejection of the "food jihad" narrative by those familiar with the vendor or his products.

  • Statements from customers affirmed their long-standing, positive experience with the vendor's goods.

Political Response and Accusations of Hate Speech

The complaint filed by Asaduddin Owaisi highlights broader political tensions and accusations of hate speech.

  • Owaisi's Stance:

  • He alleges a pattern of hate speech by the Assam Chief Minister targeting the Muslim community.

  • Owaisi argues that such rhetoric is contrary to the inclusivity and pluralism envisioned by India's founders and the Constitution's Preamble.

  • He drew parallels to historical struggles against British rule, questioning the appropriation of history by groups he identifies as the RSS.

  • Nature of the Alleged Video: The description of the video showing Sarma symbolically shooting at Muslims, coupled with aggressive captions, has been deemed by Owaisi as a deliberate act to incite communal violence.

  • Assam CM's Defense: Sarma's reported statement indicates a willingness to face legal proceedings, suggesting a different perspective on the allegations or the video's intent.

Broader Implications and Historical Context

Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks touch upon historical narratives and the concept of national identity.

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  • Historical References:

  • Owaisi referenced Tipu Sultan, mentioning his inclusion in Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's writings.

  • He also cited Maulvi Allauddin and Turrabaz Khan, figures involved in protests against British rule in Hyderabad, to question the historical contributions of other organizations.

  • These references aim to underscore a narrative of historical resistance involving various communities, challenging claims of singular historical ownership.

  • Constitutional Values:

  • Owaisi emphasized that actions promoting division run contrary to the Constitution's Preamble, which enshrines inclusivity, pluralism, and diversity.

  • He accused those making such allegations of appropriating history while ignoring contributions from those who fought colonial rule in Hyderabad.

Expert Analysis

  • Dr. K. Nageshwar, Political Analyst (as cited in Article 3): "YouTubers should not cross the limits while doing reporting. They are targeting a vendor. This is not acceptable. The local people have shown solidarity with the vendor, which is a good thing." This statement suggests a view that journalistic or reporting activities, particularly by YouTubers, should adhere to ethical boundaries and not target individuals, especially in a way that garnures public sympathy for the vendor.

  • Harsh Mander, Rights Activist (as cited in Article 12): Mander's complaint against the Assam CM argues that such rhetoric "undermines constitutional values and minority rights." This perspective frames the alleged hate speech not just as offensive, but as a direct challenge to fundamental rights and the legal framework of the country.

Conclusion

The incident at Medaram Jatara reveals a clash between online accusations and local community solidarity, with a vendor facing "food jihad" allegations being broadly supported by residents. The broader political context is highlighted by Asaduddin Owaisi's formal complaint against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over an alleged hate speech video. Owaisi contends that such acts and rhetoric are harmful to national integration and constitutional values, invoking historical figures and legal precedents in his complaint. The Assam Chief Minister has reportedly indicated a readiness to face legal consequences. The separate events underscore ongoing debates surrounding freedom of speech, the spread of misinformation online, and accusations of hate speech in the political arena.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to the vendor at Medaram Jatara?
A vendor selling buns was wrongly accused of "food jihad" by some people making videos. Many local people supported the vendor and bought his buns.
Q: What is "food jihad"?
"Food jihad" is a false claim that some people use to wrongly accuse others, especially Muslims, about their food.
Q: What did Asaduddin Owaisi complain about?
He complained about a video shared by the Chief Minister of Assam. He said the video was hate speech and showed disrespect to Muslims.
Q: What did the Assam Chief Minister say?
He said he is willing to face legal action if a case is filed against him.