Sun Jan 26 04:13:48 UTC 2025: **Telangana Chief Minister Protests Underrepresentation in Padma Awards**

HYDERABAD, India – Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protest the state’s underrepresentation in this year’s Padma awards. The state government feels Telangana received an unfair share of the 139 awards, receiving only two despite recommending several prominent figures for various Padma awards, including the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Shri.

Among those recommended but overlooked were Gaddar, Chukka Ramaiah, Andesri, Gorati Venkanna, and Jayadheer Tirumala Rao, individuals noted for their contributions to Telangana’s culture, social movements, and arts. Sources within the Telangana government described the exclusion as an “insult” to the state. The Chief Minister believes Telangana should have received at least five awards.

While congratulating the two recipients – gastroenterologist Dr. Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy (Padma Vibhushan) and Manda Krishna Madiga (Padma Shri) – Mr. Reddy emphasized the significant contributions of those not recognized. The government cited the role of these individuals in the Telangana agitation and in mobilizing public opinion.

A notable point of contention is the categorization of Hindupur MLA and actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, a long-time Hyderabad resident, under Andhra Pradesh.

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