Hyderabad: Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy, a seasoned politician and Congress leader, holds a unique place in contemporary political history as the last Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh before the formation of Telangana in 2014. His tenure reflected both the turbulence of state bifurcation and the challenges of balancing governance during a period of deep regional and political unrest.
Born on 13 September 1960 in Hyderabad, Reddy hailed from a political family with roots in Chittoor district. Educated in Hyderabad and Chennai, he graduated in law before entering politics, following in the footsteps of his father, Nallari Amarnath Reddy, a respected Congress leader.
Reddy’s political career began with his election as an MLA in 1989 from Vayalpadu constituency, and later from Pileru. His steady rise within the Congress party saw him serve as the Government Whip and then as the Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly (2009–2010), where he earned recognition for his firm but balanced approach to conducting the House.
In November 2010, following the resignation of K. Rosaiah, Reddy was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. His administration coincided with the intensifying demand for a separate Telangana state, placing him at the heart of one of India’s most contentious political debates. He opposed the bifurcation of the state, arguing that it would adversely affect the economic and social fabric of the region, especially Hyderabad.
Despite his opposition, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, was passed by Parliament, paving the way for the creation of Telangana. In protest, Reddy resigned as Chief Minister in March 2014, just months before the new state came into existence, marking the end of his tenure and the close of an era for united Andhra Pradesh.
After leaving the Congress, he briefly floated his own political outfit, the Jai Samaikyandhra Party, which contested the 2014 elections but failed to make electoral inroads. In later years, Reddy returned to the Congress before eventually joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2023, reflecting the shifting currents of Indian politics.
Beyond politics, Reddy is known for his keen interest in cricket, having captained the Hyderabad Under-22 team during his youth. His career, marked by a blend of legislative experience, leadership challenges, and controversial decisions, continues to be remembered for the pivotal role he played during Andhra Pradesh’s bifurcation.
Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy remains a significant figure in the political history of Andhra Pradesh—his legacy tied indelibly to the momentous chapter of statehood reorganization in India.
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Last Updated on: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 2:02 pm by Business Byte Team | Published by: Business Byte Team on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 1:54 pm | News Categories: News
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