Sun Jan 26 12:20:19 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Deputy CM Accuses Center of Ignoring State’s Padma Award Recommendations
**Hyderabad, [Date]:** Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, has strongly criticized the central government’s selection process for the Padma Awards, alleging a disregard for federal principles. He expressed outrage that none of the five individuals recommended by the Telangana government received an award, despite their significant contributions to the state’s formation and social progress.
Vikramarka stated that the Telangana government formally recommended five individuals – including prominent figures like Gaddar, Ande Sri, Gorati Venkanna, and Jayadeer Tirumala Rao – for their roles in the Telangana movement and their selfless service to society. He questioned the merit of the central government’s decision, implying that the omissions are a deliberate slight against Telangana’s identity and its history.
The Deputy CM highlighted the perceived injustice of awarding Padma awards to individuals recommended by Andhra Pradesh while ignoring those suggested by Telangana, further emphasizing his accusations of the center violating the spirit of federalism. He did, however, commend the award given to Mandakrishna Madiga. Vikramarka’s remarks have sparked a political debate, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the Padma Awards selection process.
First Piper 