‘Marwari Go Back’ campaign intensifies in Telangana

A parking dispute in Telangana’s Secunderabad has spiraled into a larger controversy, fueling the “Marwari Go Back” campaign across the state. The row reportedly began after members of the Jain and Marwari community allegedly attacked a man from a marginalised caste, with caste-based slurs said to have been used. The incident triggered protests from activists and local groups.

Protesters allege that Marwari and Gujarati traders have expanded aggressively in Telangana, undercutting local businesses and pushing counterfeit products into the market. They claim these practices are harming local livelihoods and eroding cultural traditions.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State Bandi Sanjay Kumar strongly opposed the campaign, calling it politically motivated. “This is a conspiracy against Marwari and Gujarati communities because they support the BJP and stand for protecting Sanatana Dharma,” he said. Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh also came to the community’s defense, warning of strict action. “Anyone who tries to defame the Marwari and Gujarati community will be sent to jail,” he said.

Local activist Prithviraj, however, accused the BJP of siding with business lobbies. “Marwaris are selling 50 percent duplicate products in their shops and exploiting Telangana’s culture. Those leading this campaign are being threatened by communal elements,” he alleged, urging the BJP to take responsibility for addressing migrant issues since it has been in power nationally for over a decade.

Police are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any communal flare-up as the campaign gains traction.

The Marwari community has had a long history in Hyderabad, migrating during the Nizam’s rule and remaining active in trade after Hyderabad’s integration into India in 1948. Over the years, Gujarati, Rajasthani, and other North Indian business groups have expanded across Telangana, sometimes sparking resentment among sections of local traders.