Vijay Deverakonda Clarifies On SC/ST Controversy!

It is known that Vijay Devarakonda attended the pre-release event of Retro recently. He spoke his heart out at this event and made a few interesting comments about the prevailing situation in the border land of India and Pakistan.

However, there was this one particular reference to the tribal community and 500 years ago, where he said people are fighting without a cause or reason like in the old age. However, this statement caught the negative attention of the tribal community, and they kept sharing a few posts against Vijay on social media. A police complaint was also submitted in this regard.

Incidentally, Vijay has now reacted to this matter, and here is what he had to say about the same.

“It has come to my attention that a remark I made during the Retro audio launch event has caused concern among some members of the public. 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 stated.

Vijay further added how 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.

The word "tribe," as I used 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.

According to the English dictionary, "tribe" means: "A social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect."

If any part of my message was misunderstood or hurtful, I express my sincere regret. My only aim was to speak of peace, progress, and togetherness. I remain committed to using my platform to uplift unify never to divide, he concluded.