Hyderabad: The “Go Back Marwadi” movement, which started in Hyderabad, is rapidly spreading across Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Under the slogan “Marwadi Hatao, Telangana Bachao,” activists are describing it as “Telangana Movement 2.0.” Local traders allege that Marwadi businessmen are depriving them of livelihoods and undermining their self-respect, while tensions continue to escalate across districts.
The agitation gained momentum after a dispute on July 31 at Secunderabad’s Pot Market, where a clash between local youth Sai and SK Jewellers’ family members led to an assault. What began as a personal conflict has since evolved into a broader movement against Marwadi dominance in trade. Protesters accuse Marwadis of monopolizing businesses, engaging in hawala transactions, and being involved in illegal activities. Demonstrations have included goldsmiths in LB Nagar staging symbolic protests, and Vaishya Vikas Vedika leading a massive rally in Hyderabad.
On August 22, Osmania University JAC called for a state-wide bandh under the “Go Back Marwadi” slogan. Police deployed heavy security, detaining several protesters, including OU JAC chairman Kottapalli Tirupati, to prevent violence. Parallel tensions were reported in Ranga Reddy district’s Amangal, though traders there later withdrew their bandh call. Meanwhile, Marwadi community representatives rejected the allegations, asserting that Telangana is their “karma bhoomi” where their families have lived for generations. They questioned why only their community was being targeted when thousands of migrant workers from other states also live in Telangana.
The agitation has now extended into Andhra Pradesh, where Rajahmundry Chamber of Commerce issued warnings against Marwadi traders. While some political groups have supported the protests, the BJP has opposed the agitation. In parallel, new calls such as “Go Back Rohingyas” are also emerging. With the issue gaining traction in both Telugu states, the future direction of the movement remains uncertain.