Hyderabad, January 29: Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has criticised Union Minister Bandi Sanjay’s recent comments regarding the late people’s singer Gaddar. He questioned Sanjay’s involvement during the Telangana movement, highlighting Gaddar’s contributions.
The controversy began when Chief Minister Revanth Reddy criticised the perceived injustice to the state concerning the Padma Awards. In response, Bandi Sanjay made contentious remarks about Gaddar, opposing the proposal to honour him with a Padma Award. Sanjay argued that Gaddar supported Maoist leaders responsible for violence against citizens and police, asserting that such an individual should not receive the award.
Reacting to these statements, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy recalled Gaddar’s efforts during the Telangana movement, noting that he travelled extensively to raise awareness about the need for a separate state. He expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not pay respects upon Gaddar’s passing. Komatireddy questioned Bandi Sanjay’s whereabouts during the movement and criticised him for making such remarks while holding a responsible ministerial position.
Additionally, BJP leader Vishnuvardhan Reddy compared Gaddar to LTTE militants, labelling him a murderer and criticising proposals to honour him with a Padma Award. He questioned whether Chief Minister Revanth Reddy would also suggest awarding the LTTE and speculated that the proposal might be influenced by Gaddar’s daughter’s association with the Congress party. Vishnuvardhan Reddy pointed out that Gaddar faced multiple cases in both Telugu states.
