Vijay Deverakonda Clarifies On ‘Tribe’ Controversy!

Vijay Deverakonda’s heartfelt and hard-hitting speech while targeting the Pakistani terrorists at the Retro Telugu pre-release event landed him in unexpected trouble. Several members of the Tribal Lawyers Association filed a case against Vijay under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.

The Tribal Lawyers Association members took offense to Vijay referring to Pakistani terrorists as tribals and called it unacceptable and dangerous and showed a lack of sensitivity and awareness towards tribal history and identity. The lawyers’ association members went on to demand a public apology from Vijay.

To put an end to the controversy, Vijay took to X this morning and said, “I wish to sincerely clarify: there was absolutely no intention to hurt or target any community, especially our Scheduled Tribes, who I deeply respect and consider an integral part of our country.” Vijay further added that he was speaking about unity – about how India is one, our people are one, and how we must move forward together. “In what world would I, while urging us to stand united as a country, deliberately discriminate against any group of Indians – all of whom I see as my family, like my brothers?” he added.

Explaining his “tribals” reference, Vijay said it was meant in the historical and dictionary sense. “Referring to a time centuries ago when human society globally was organized into tribes and clans, often in conflict. It was never a reference to the Scheduled Tribes classification, which was introduced during colonial and post-colonial India and formalized only in the mid-20th century — not even 100 years ago.”

Displaying maturity and pacifying the upset tribal community members, Vijay said he expresses his sincere regret if any part of his message was misunderstood or hurtful. “My only aim was to speak of peace, progress, and togetherness. I remain committed to using my platform to uplift and unify – never to divide,” he concluded.