P. Janardhan Reddy

Paripati Janardhan Reddy పరిపాటి జనార్దన్ రెడ్డి
6th Leader of the opposition Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
In office 1994–1999
Governor	Shankar Dayal Sharma Krishan Kant
Chief Minister	Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Nara Chandrababu Naidu
Preceded by	N. T. Rama Rao
Succeeded by	Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy
Constituency	Khairatabadu
Member of Legislative Assembly Andhra Pradesh
In office 2004–2007
Preceded by	K. Vijayarama Rao
Succeeded by	Paripati Vishnuvardhan Reddy
Constituency	Khairatabadu
In office 1985–1999
Preceded by	M. Ramchander Rao
Succeeded by	K. Vijayarama Rao
Constituency	Khairatabadu
In office 1978–1983
Preceded by	Nagam Krishna Rao
Succeeded by	M. Ramchander Rao
Constituency	Khairatabadu
Personal details
Born	12 January 1948 Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India (now in Telangana, India)
Died	28 December 2007(2007-12-28) (aged 59) Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Political party	Indian National Congress
Spouse	Paripati Sulochana
Profession	Union leader

Paripati Janardhan Reddy (12 January 1948 – 28 December 2007), popularly known as PJR, was an Indian National Congress party leader and labour leader from Andhra Pradesh. He was elected and served as Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) five times for the Hyderabad constituency of Khairtabad until his death.

Early life

P. Janardhan Reddy was born on 12 January 1948 to P. Papi Reddy and Shivamma in Domalguda, Hyderabad. He received a diploma in Electrical Engineering from a polytechnic college.

Reddy worked as a supervisor in the AP Electrical Equipment Corporation in Sanathnagar, Hyderabad.

Political career

Reddy started his career as a trade union leader in 1967. He represented many industrial trade unions before entering mainstream politics. He represented labour unions of Hyderabad Alwin, Kesavram Cements, NTPC and Vizag Steel factory. He was also the President for Associated Glass Industries Workers Union, A.P. Electrical Equipment Corporation Employees Union, A.P. Agro Industries Employees Union and Krishi Engines.

Reddy was first elected to Andhra Pradesh assembly in 1978 and four more times (1985, 1989, 1994 and 2004) from Khairatabad constituency in Hyderabad, which is one of the most populous constituencies in the state. He lost only once to Telugu Desam rivals in 1999 Assembly elections.

Reddy was Minister of Co-Operation and Youth Services in 1980, Archives Minister in 1982, Labour, Employment and Housing Minister from 1990 to 1992, and Civil Supplies Minister in 1993.

As Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader between 1994 and 1999, he led Congress members in the assembly. He was an effective leader of the opposition during the regime of N.T. Rama Rao and N. Chandrababu Naidu. He led many popular agitations in Hyderabad city against Telugu Desam governments. He was a supporter of separate state for Telangana. He actively fought for a fair share of funds for Telangana region.

Personal life

Reddy was married to Sulochana. They have a son, P. Vishnuvardhan Reddy, and four daughters. Their first daughter, Gayathri Reddy, the second Anuragini Reddy, the third Vijaya Reddy, and the youngest is Pavani Reddy.

Reddy suffered a heart attack on 28 December 2007, while on his way to a party meeting. He was rushed to hospital but died on the way. Thousands of people milled around his house to pay their respects to their leader. He was cremated with state honours in the presence of thousands of his followers and congress leaders.

After Reddy's death, his son P. Vishnuvardhan Reddy and daughter Vijaya Reddy entered into politics. P. Vishnuvardhan Reddy was elected as the MLA from Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency.

Reddy's daughter Vijaya Reddy, initially an independent candidate, joined YSR Congress in 2012. She left YSR Congress to join TRS with her followers in 2014.

Honors

P. Janardhan Reddy's statue was unveiled at the Khairatabad junction on the first anniversary of his death. His daughter, Vijaya Reddy, started the PJR foundation in 2011 for the welfare of the common people.

External links

• Thousands pay last respects to Janardhan Reddy, Hindustan Times, 29 December 2007