Telangana Governor urges DGP action on ‘Marwadi Go Back’.
The letter highlighted that the ‘Marwadi Go Back’ campaign poses a grave threat to the social fabric and economic stability of Telangana, warning that such divisive actions could foster hostility, disrupt harmony, deter investments, and endanger long-term community relations.
The community body asked the Governor not only to issue a public statement condemning the campaign but also to reassure every community in the state of their safety, security, and rights.
It requested the Governor to direct the Director General of Police (DGP) and all law enforcement agencies to take strict and swift action against those behind the hateful drive.
# A call for condemnation and reassurance
In his appeal, Mahesh Agarwal stressed that silence or indifference from the state could embolden fringe elements spreading division. “What we seek is not only condemnation, but a strong, unequivocal assurance from the highest constitutional authority in Telangana that every community has an equal place in this state,” he wrote.
The Mahasabha has asked the Governor to release a public statement denouncing the campaign “in the strongest possible terms,” making it clear that such divisive rhetoric will not be tolerated. The letter urged the Governor to reaffirm Telangana’s commitment to inclusivity, pluralism, and the rule of law.
He emphasized that they are not “outsiders” but integral to Telangana’s history, culture, and progress.
He highlighted how the Marwadis have consistently driven economic growth, created jobs, and built businesses that transformed Hyderabad and other towns into bustling centres of trade.
Beyond business, the letter noted their philanthropic contributions—establishing schools, hospitals, hostels, and charitable trusts serving people across all communities. Many well-known institutions in Telangana, from educational hubs to healthcare facilities, bear the imprint of Marwadi philanthropy.
# Fear of economic disruption
The letter also warned that if hate speech is allowed to spread unchecked, it could discourage investments and tarnish Telangana’s reputation as a welcoming state for business. Hyderabad, in particular, has branded itself as an emerging global city, attracting investments in IT, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.
“But once such campaigns gain momentum, investor confidence will inevitably erode. Entrepreneurs will hesitate, industries will slow down, and jobs will be lost,” the letter cautioned. Capital flight, it warned, would be a real possibility if Telangana is seen as unsafe or intolerant.
Agarwal’s concerns were not limited to economics. He said campaigns such as ‘Marwadi Go Back’ have the potential to poison social relations that have thrived for generations. Communities that have coexisted peacefully could suddenly find themselves divided by suspicion and hostility.
“Unchecked, such divisive slogans can spread fear and insecurity. They can make ordinary citizens—law-abiding, hardworking families—feel like strangers in their own homes,” he wrote.
He also expressed deep concern that this environment could escalate into violence. “It is not just about businesses or investments. It is about the safety of our children, our elders, and the ordinary people who only wish to live peacefully,” Agarwal said.
# The demand for accountability
The letter specifically called on the Governor to ensure accountability. It asked that the police be instructed to identify and prosecute those behind the campaign, whether individuals or groups. “Strict, swift legal action is necessary to send a message that Telangana will not tolerate hate,” the Mahasabha insisted.
It also urged the state to track online platforms and social media, where such campaigns often begin, and take preventive measures before hate slogans manifest on the ground.
At its core, the appeal from the Agarwal Mahasabha is not only about protecting one community. It reflects a larger concern that Telangana’s pluralistic identity, which has long celebrated diversity, could be at risk. Hyderabad, with its centuries-old reputation as a meeting ground of cultures—Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Marwadi, Gujarati, and more—stands as a symbol of coexistence.
The letter concluded with a plea for unity. “Telangana’s strength lies in its diversity. To allow anyone to brand a community as outsiders is to deny our shared history and weaken our future.”
The Governor has yet to respond publicly, but the Mahasabha’s call has already resonated across business and community circles. Many see it as a test of whether Telangana can preserve its legacy of inclusivity while protecting the rights and dignity of all its people.