Telangana Bandh: What’s the “Go Back Marwadi” Movement?

For the past few weeks, tensions have been rising in Telangana over growing resentment toward the Marwadi community, which runs a large share of small and medium businesses in the state.

The spark came from a recent incident where a Scheduled Caste (SC) man was allegedly assaulted by a group of Marwadis. In retaliation, several local groups called for a statewide bandh today, August 22. Public transport has been hit in many districts, with RTC buses and auto services staying off the roads.

The bandh is being observed strongly in areas like Devarakonda, Yadadri, Narayanpet, and Jangaon. Shops have remained shut in these towns, and protests have been reported in front of key markets.

For years, there have been complaints that Marwadi traders corner local business by selling goods at cheaper rates, sometimes accused of pushing low-quality or fake products. Many local traders argue that this has hurt Telangana-based business families, and the anger has been simmering quietly until now.

That frustration has now spilled out in the open through the “Go Back Marwadi” slogan, which has quickly gathered momentum across different parts of the state.

Political parties, however, are treading carefully. BJP leaders like Bandi Sanjay dismissed the bandh as a “fabricated attempt” to create division within Hindu society. Congress and BRS, meanwhile, have mostly stayed silent, avoiding a clear stand on the issue.