Condolences pour in for Gaddar

HYDERABAD: Moments after Telangana's famous balladeer, revolutionary poet Gummadi Vittal Rao, popularly known as Gaddar, passed away in Hyderabad on Sunday, personalities from across fields expressed their deep anguish and condolences.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) condoled the demise of Gaddar and moved a motion of condolence during the ongoing Assembly sessions. "Gaddar will remain in the hearts of the people of Telangana for his folk songs which ignited the revolutionary movement among scores of people for achieving a separate State," KCR said.

KCR expressed his grief that Gaddar had dedicated his life to the people and lived only for the people, and with the death of Gaddar, the entire Telangana had lost a great revolutionary poet. The Chief Minister also recalled his association with Gaddar and his cultural struggle of Gadar for Telangana.

KCR said that Gaddar 's artistic life, which started as an ordinary Burrakatha artist, got mixed with revolutionary politics and later reached a high level in the cultural struggle in the movement for the realisation of Telangana.

"Gaddar's services to the public arts and movements as a poet are unforgettable and the gap cannot be filled. There is no death for public artists and poets and as long as public art flourishes, Gaddar's name will remain immortal," the Chief Minister said.

Telangana IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) paid rich tribute to Gaddar's contributions to the Telangana State in the Assembly. KTR mentioned that Gaddar would always be remembered as long as Telangana Culture exists. "Gaddar was a remarkable individual and his absence will be deeply felt," he said.

Union Tourism Minister and BJP Telangana unit President G Kishan Reddy condoled the passing away of Gaddar. "Gaddar played a crucial role and brought awareness among the masses through his voice during the Telangana agitation," tweeted Kishan Reddy. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family members of Gaddar.

Taking to Twitter, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President A Revanth Reddy said, "Deepest condolences to our dearest Gaddaranna’s family. We all stand with you in this hour of grief."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his Twitter said, "Saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Gummadi Vittal Rao, Telangana’s iconic poet, balladeer and fiery activist. His love for the people of Telangana drove him to fight tirelessly for the marginalised. May his legacy continue to inspire us all."

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "Saddened to hear about the passing of Shri Gummadi Vittal Rao garu, the iconic poet and relentless activist. His unwavering dedication to social causes and the fight for Telangana's statehood was truly inspiring. Gaddar ji's powerful verses echoed the aspirations of millions, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. May his legacy continue to ignite the flames of change. Rest in peace, Gaddar garu."

YSR Telangana Party President YS Sharmila said, "It is very tragic news and heart breaking. The peak of public struggle has fallen, self-sacrifice, towering personality, people's voices have been silenced after the demise of Gaddar."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed his shock over the death of eminent singer Gaddar. YS Jagan had acknowledged Gaddar's dedication to social reform and his lifelong commitment to social justice. "The sudden demise of Gaddar is a great loss to the Telugu community. Extending support to Gaddar's family during this difficult time," YS Jagan said.

Taking to Twitter, TDP Chief N Chandra Babu Naidu had also expressed condolences to Gaddar's family over his death. "An era ended with the demise of Gaddar, who enlightened the people with his voice and the civil rights struggles in the public movements," he said.