Union Minister Bandi Sanjay opposes Padma Award for Telangana folk singer Gaddar
Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, on Monday, January 27, 2025, rejected the idea of granting the Padma Award to Telangana folk singer Gaddar, referring to his alleged Naxal ties.
Speaking to the media, Bandi Sanjay questioned the consideration of Gaddar for the prestigious award, stating that someone with Naxal ideology was undeserving of such an honor. He accused Gaddar of glorifying violence through his songs, some of which, according to the minister, were linked to the killings of BJP activists and police officers by Naxalites.
โWhat is Gaddarโs ideology? He is responsible for the deaths of several BJP activists and police personnel who Naxals killed in the name of being informers,โ Bandi Sanjay said. He further said that the government would never approve an award for someone associated with Naxalism.
Bandi Sanjay also criticized Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, questioning why his recommendations should be considered for the Padma awards. His remarks have sparked a political debate over Indiaโs civilian honors criteria. โThere is no question of giving the Padma award to Gaddar in view of his ideology,โ he concluded.
MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy Responds to Bandi Sanjayโs Remarks on Gaddar
In response to Union Minister Bandi Sanjayโs comments, MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy urged for a more respectful discourse in political discussions. Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy called the remarks surprising and questioned the Minister's stance.
โIt is truly surprising to hear such comments about Gaddar. Are you a cabinet minister or a corporator?โ Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy said.
He defended Gaddar, praising the folk singer for his past activism and his advocacy for the oppressed through his songs. Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy called for Bandi Sanjay to retract his statements, stating that such remarks were unbecoming of a government in power.
โGaddar fought for the cause of the oppressed, and his songs raised their voices. Please withdraw your words,โ Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy added.