When revolutionary singer Gaddar passed away recently, the Congress was in the forefront in extending support to his family. Led by PCC chief A Revanth Reddy, the party played a big role in making arrangements for his funeral.
Right from Sonia Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi, every Congress leader at the national level called Gaddar’s family members and expressed condolences. They assured that the party would stand by them.
When Sonia Gandhi came to Hyderabad on September 16 and 17 to attend the Congress Working Committee meeting, she had met Gaddar’s family members and assured to take care of their interests. Apparently, she agreed to their request to allot Secunderabad Cantonment seat to either his son or daughter.
But subsequently, there has been complete silence from the Congress. There was no proposal from the high command nor had any PCC leader spoke to them, let alone offering them any seat.
Gaddar’s daughter Vennela, who expressed her intention to contest in the upcoming Telangana assembly polls, on Saturday urged the Congress to clarify if the kin of the late activist would be offered a ticket.
She addressed a press conference alongside her mother in Hyderabad on and said that the Congress leaders initially assured ticket to the family but have now become silent.
“I am hoping for a ticket from the Congress to contest the assembly elections. But even if the ticket is not given, we are ready to contest the elections. We have a fighting spirit to fight for the people,” Vennela said, conveying that she is ready to contest the elections.
Vennela said that Gaddar wanted the revolution to come through votes and, in his last days, had backed the Congress party. She said Gaddar wished to contest the election.
“Congress says it will work in the spirit of the Constitution, so we support them.”
Vimala stated that she would campaign on behalf of her daughter if Congress offered her a ticket.
Sources said the Congress high command is in two minds in fielding Vennela from Secunderabad Cantonment, which is a BRS stronghold and there is a demand for the seat from others like Survey Satyanarayana.
However, the Congress also doesn’t want to lose the support of Gaddar family, as it needs to woo Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and the Muslim community in Telangana.
The party’s electoral strategy includes aligning with influential local figures to seize power from the BRS, BJP, and Gaddar family’s cultural and political lineage, which will help the party.
Vennela expressed the family’s reservations.
“It’s not easy to form and run a political party. But we want to carry forward our father’s legacy, and if Congress does offer us the opportunity, we will ensure that we serve society and fulfil our father’s purpose,” she said.
