Gaddar memorial to come up on Necklace Road: Telangana CM

Revolutionary Poet and balladeer Gaddar. File
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has said that the Congress Government will give due recognition to Balance of Gedda and ensure that a memorial comes up on Necklace Road in Hyderabad shortly.

Stating that the Government would do everything to enhance the respect for the popular balladeer, Mr. Reddy, speaking at the birth anniversary celebrations of the late Gaddar at Ravindra Bharati on Friday, launched a broad side against his detractors, particularly the BJP leaders, who spoke ill of his image and opposed the recommendation for the Padma award.

The Chief Minister was critical of the comments made by a Union Minister and warned that the Government would not keep quiet, if the late balladeer was repeatedly humiliated with caustic and disparaging remarks. He pointed out that like the value of Kohinoor never depreciates, the respect for Gaddar would not come down. He commands the same respect from lakhs of people, Mr. Reddy said.

Mr. Reddy recalled his association with the revolutionary folk singer and pointed out how he used to speak to Gaddar when he felt low during the last 10 years of his political career. He justified giving recognition to the late singer stating that his government believed in highlighting the contributions of people, who made a mark in society.

He said the government decided to name the film awards after Gaddar to give him due recognition. He noted that the previous regime had tried to prevent the body of late Gaddar to be brought to LB Stadium, but, it was the Congress cadres, who protested and ensured that the gates were thrown open to provide a chance to lakhs of people to pay their respects to the late leader. He also stated that Gaddar was never allowed into the Pragati Bhavan and was made to sit outside, and today the same place has been thrown open to the common man. He said Gaddar should be seen as an ideologue, who gave inspiration to lakhs of people to fight for their cause.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the entire cabinet believed in Gaddar’s ideology and was taking decisions that would enhance his image. He said giving a Padma award to Gaddar was like protecting democracy. He said people like Gaddar were born only once and who left lasting impression among the people.

He hailed Gaddar as a leader who fought for separate Telangana State much before sub-regional parties took up the cause. He said Centre denying Padma award was like hurting the self respect of people of Telangana.

Ministers Jupally Krishna Rao and Ponnam Prabhakar, artistes Andesri, Gaddar’s wife Vimala, children Surya Kiran and G.V. Vennela and others were present at the event organised by Culture department and Gaddar Foundation.