Can Non Reddy survive as AP Chief Minister?

Caste is ubiquitous factor of Andhra Pradesh politics. There is enough evidence to show that your birth and then wealth are two deciding factor for the political survival in the state. Since 1956 when the state is formed, the lion share of power went to either a Reddy or a Kamma. These two powerful castes, Reddy and Kamma are the pillars for the Congress and Telugu Desam Party respectively. It is hard to imagine a non-Reddy Chief Minister from Congress Party and non-Kamma Chief Minister from Telugu Desam Party.

While Congress has given Chief Ministership opportunity to four non-Reddy Leaders, all the three Chief Ministers from Telugu Desam are Kamma. Of them, Nadendla Bhaskar Rao became CM in a bloodless coup but had to resign in 34 days. Thus he became the shortest serving CM of the state. The remaining two Chief Ministers are NT Rama Rao and his son-in-law Nara Chandrababu Naidu

Today Konijeti Rosaiah, a Vysya resigned from the post just after in office for 447 days. From the day one, Rosaiah, who was considered to be a seasoned administrator suffered from various burning issues and natural calamities. All along his term, he faced constant onslaught from YS Jaganmohan Reddy. The 78 year old, despite having full blessings of the high command and Sonia Gandhi, had to go finally sighting health reasons. In a nutshell Rosaiah could not bare the pressure from the political heavyweights we never allowed him to settle in his seat. The tragedy of his term was, he could not make his own cabinet nor bring any distinctive programs that would have stamped his name in the history. Rosaiah who has been well known for his wit, humour and satires finally become a comic character in the eyes of citizens. But the cruel pains that he had to under go during the course of his term would tell a different story for a non Reddy Chief Minister of the Andhra Pradesh state

The last Congress CM of Andhra Pradesh prior to Rosaiah - in 1973 was Jalagam Vengala Rao, a Velama by birth. He was in the office for 1547 days. He is considered to be the best and most efficient Chief Minister of state. Unlike Chandrababu Naidu or YS Rajasekhar Reddy who had the media face to sell and market themselves, Vengala Rao made significant contributions to the state development. Despite all his good administration and developmental efforts and non-controversies (rate for a state) - he could not survive the onslaught of the powerful communities.

PV Narsasimha Rao (in 1971), a Brahmin was immediate predecessor to Jalagam Vengala Rao (there was president rule). Having no political base, Rao was seen as a compromising candidate to kill the 1969 Telangana agitation. But, Rao tenure was indecisive all along. However, Rao could bring the land reforms during his short 468 days tenure. It is widely believed that land reforms that effected the powerful Telangana Reddy landlords costed his position. Again, Rao had surrender to the powerful community. Rao later went on to become the Prime Minister of India in 1990's. But was under the constant fear (insecurity) for a political base in his home state that was under the grip of Reddy community.

Damodram Sanjivaiah (in 1960) the only Dalit to occupy the CM post. According to the reports suffered many humiliations during his tenure from his own cabinet members (same in the case with Rosaiah). Known for clean image and non-controversial, Sanjivaiah could survive 791 days. He had to handover power back to Neelam Sanjiva Reddy depsite leading the party to victory in the general elections.

With Rosaiah departure, N Kirankumar Reddy is going to occupy the CM seat on 25 Nov 2010. He is the 9th Reddy CM of Andra Pradesh. Unless Telanaga issues takes the toll, Kiran Kumar Reddy would not have to suffer the onslaught like Rosaiah. He comes with many advantages including his Reddy tag.

Indira Gandhi reported comment "aren't any one other than Reddy in Andhra Pradesh?" is still apt. Even the Goddess blessings at Delhi are available, none of the non Reddy CM's other than Jalagam Vengala Rao could not even settle in the seat nor implement any programs.

Let's hope Kiran Kumar Reddy with the blessings of Goddess Sonia Gandhi at Delhi could bring some peace and solace to the citizens of the state, who have suffered equally - since Rosaiah's arrival.

But for the others, it is indeed though to be a non Reddy or Kamma CM of Andhra Pradesh and survive.