Hyderabad, January 27: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay made sharp remarks regarding the Telangana government’s recommendation of Gaddar for the Padma Awards. Speaking to the media, Sanjay strongly criticised the decision, questioning how someone like Gaddar, who he alleged was involved in the killings of BJP workers with Naxalite support, could be considered for such a prestigious honour.
Sanjay called on the state government to carefully evaluate the names it recommends for national awards. “How can we give a Padma Award to Gaddar? Do they not know how many BJP workers were killed under his influence? The government should send credible and deserving names,” he remarked.
The issue arose after Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed anger at what he called the Union government’s neglect of Telangana in the recent Padma Awards. Reddy criticised the Centre for not recognising notable figures like Gaddar, Goreti Venkanna, Jayadheer Tirumala Rao, Chukka Ramaiah, and Andesri, whose names were recommended by the state. He claimed that Andhra Pradesh received five awards, while Telangana deserved at least four.
Sanjay dismissed these criticisms, stating that the Padma Awards are granted strictly to deserving individuals. He added, “Awards will not be given to those who lack merit. Gaddar’s ideology and actions disqualify him. The awards are for people with high standards and achievements, not those involved in the killings of BJP leaders and policemen.”
The controversy highlights ongoing political tensions between the BJP and Congress in Telangana, with accusations of bias and political motives dominating the discussion around the Padma Awards.
