Bandi Sanjay, Revanth Govt Lock Horns Over Padma Award Demand for Poet & Ex-Maoist Ideologue Gaddar
Political Storm in Telangana: Controversy Over Gaddar’s Padma Award Nomination Intensifies
Key Developments:
- Congress government’s Padma nominations rejected
- CM Revanth Reddy claims discrimination against Telangana
- BJP’s Bandi Sanjay strongly opposes Gaddar’s nomination
- Controversy erupts ahead of Gaddar’s birth anniversary
- Political debate over recognizing former Maoist ideologue
Nominations and Rejections
Telangana’s Proposed Nominees:
- Gaddar (Padma Vibhushan)
- Chukka Ramaiah (Padma Bhushan)
- Ande Sri (Padma Bhushan)
- Gorati Venkanna (Padma Shri)
- Jayadheer Tirumala Rao (Padma Shri)
Centre’s Decision and Political Fallout
The controversy has intensified as Telangana received only two Padma awards: Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy (Padma Vibhushan) and Manda Krishna Madiga (Padma Shri). Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has characterized this as “discrimination towards four crore people of Telangana” and plans to address Prime Minister Modi directly regarding the perceived injustice.
Political Reactions
- CM to write to PM Modi about “injustice”
- BJP rejects discrimination claims
- Congress demands apology from Bandi Sanjay
- Protests by Gaddar supporters
The Gaddar Legacy Debate
Who Was Gaddar?
Born as Gummadi Vittal Rao in 1949, Gaddar emerged as a prominent voice in Telangana’s cultural and political landscape. His revolutionary ballads and artistic contributions became symbols of social protest and change, though his association with the Naxalite movement remains a point of contention.
BJP’s Strong Opposition
“Giving a Padma award to those who championed Naxalism is like spitting on the graves of martyred police officers and BJP karyakartas who fell victim to this ideology,” – Bandi Sanjay, Union Minister of State
Congress Government’s Stance
The Telangana Congress government, led by Revanth Reddy, has been actively working to honor Gaddar’s legacy. Plans include erecting his statue and reinstating Telugu film-theatre awards in his name, moves seen as efforts to consolidate Dalit and Left-leaning votes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
Family Response
Gaddar’s daughter, Gummadi V Vennela, now chairperson of Telangana Samskrutika Saradhi, defended her father’s legacy, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to social justice over personal recognition.
Looking Forward
As Telangana prepares to celebrate Gaddar’s 77th birth anniversary on January 31, the controversy highlights deeper political and ideological divisions in the state’s approach to recognizing controversial historical figures.
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