The inaugural edition of the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards (TGFA) held in Hyderabad on June 14 has sparked a political row between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP. The awards event, headed by the A Revanth Reddy-led Congress government, saw Allu Arjun being named as the best actor for his role in “Pushpa: The Rise,” with Nivetha Thomas receiving the best actress award for her performance in “35 Chinna Katha Kaadu.”
However, the event has been marred by controversy due to the awards being named after famed Telugu poet and balladeer late Gaddar, a former Maoist ideologue. Some BJP leaders have expressed their opposition to this naming convention, leading to a tussle between the two parties.
The TGFA were previously known as the Nandi Awards in the undivided state of Andhra Pradesh before Telangana was formed in 2014. The rebranding and renaming of these awards have stirred debate, with critics questioning whether Gaddar’s association with left-wing extremism is an appropriate choice for a cultural event that celebrates the talent within the film industry.
The Indian Express reported on the ongoing row between the two parties, stating that the BJP has alleged that the Congress government is trying to glorify terrorism and Naxalite ideology by naming the awards after Gaddar. However, Congress leaders have defended their decision, arguing that Gaddar’s artistry and contributions to Telugu cinema should be acknowledged, regardless of his past associations with Naxalism.
As the dust settles on the first TGFA ceremony, it remains to be seen how this row between the Congress and BJP will unfold in the days ahead. With both parties gearing up for the general elections scheduled for later this year, it is possible that this controversy may escalate further as each side seeks to win over voters ahead of the crucial polls.
