P. Janardhan Reddy

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.

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.

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.[2]

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.[3]

Reddy's daughter Vijaya Reddy, initially an independent candidate, joined YSR Congress in 2012.[4] She left YSR Congress to join TRS with her followers in 2014.[5]

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.

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