CM Revanth accuses Centre of ‘discrimination’ in Padma awards selection
Revanth Reddy is also contemplating writing to prime minister Narendra Modi on the injustice done
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy Published on 26 Jan 2025 1:55 PM IST
Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy (File Photo)
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has voiced discontent with the Centre for reportedly not considering the names recommended by the Telangana State government for the Padma awards.
This year, Centre has awarded 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards. The President confers these awards at a ceremonial function held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, usually in March or April every year.
Two from Telangana and five from Andhra Pradesh are in the list of Padma Awards
From Telangana, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy has been conferred with Padma Vibhushan for his contribution in the field of medicine and Padma Shri has been awarded for Manda Krishna Madiga for his contribution in public affairs.
Renowned gastroenterologist and Chairman of AIG Hospitals D Nageshwar Reddy has been conferred with Padma Vibhushan. He is among the seven individuals being conferred the second-highest civilian award in the country. Dr. Reddy’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the B.C. Roy Award in 1995, the Padma Shri in 2002, and the Padma Bhushan in 2016.
Manda Krishna Madiga, a dedicated activist, Madiga is conferred with Padma Shri, for his relentless efforts in advocating for the rights and reservations of the Madiga community.
According to official sources, CM Revanth Reddy is also contemplating writing to prime minister Narendra Modi on the ‘injustice done to Telangana’ in Padma Awards.
The chief minister, stated in a meeting with ministers and officials, that this ‘discrimination’ is an insult to the people of Telangana, sources said.
The State government had recommended the names of folk singer and balladeer Gaddar (Padma Vibhushan), educationist Chukka Ramaiah (Padma Bhushan), poet Ande Sri (Padma Bhushan), poet and singer Gorati Venkanna (Padma Shri), and poet and historian Jayadheer Tirumala Rao (Padma Shri).
However, the chief minister claimed that the Centre’s failure to accept them is an ‘insult’ to Telangana’s four crore people. Reddy voiced ‘serious dissatisfaction’ with the Centre for failing to announce even five awards to Telangana despite selecting 139 people for the accolade, official sources said.
In an official release, Reddy congratulated the Padma awardees from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Congratulating the winners, including actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy and Manda Krishna Madiga, he said their selection for the awards is the result of their hard work and dedication.
