K. Chengalaraya Reddy

K. Chengalaraya Reddy
1st Chief Minister of Mysore State
In office
25 October 1947 – 30 March 1952
Preceded by Post Established
Succeeded by Kengal Hanumanthaiah
Personal details
Born 4 May 1902
Kyasamballi, Kolar, Karnataka, India
Died February 27, 1976 (aged 73)
Political party Indian National Congress
Religion Hindu

Kyasamballi Chengalaraya Reddy (4 May 1902 – 27 February 1976) was the first Chief Minister of Karnataka (then Mysore State).

He was born in a vokkaliga family hailing from Kyasamballi village in Bangarpet taluk of Kolar district. After his graduation in law, He along with other political activists, founded the ‘Praja Paksha’ (Peoples party) in 1930.[1] The aim of this party was to achieve responsible government in the Princely state of Mysore. The Praja paksha gained support in rural areas as it largely highlighted the issues of farmers. The Praja paksha and Praja mitra mandali joined to form the 'Praja Samyukta Paksha' [Mysore People's Federation] in 1934. K.C.Reddy was the president of the Mysore People's Federation from 1935 to 1937.[2] Later, the federation merged with the Indian National Congress and participated in the freedom movement.[3] K.C.Reddy served as the president of Mysore Congress twice, in 1937-38 and 1946-47. He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India.

After India attained Independence in 1947, he was in the forefront of the 'Mysore Chalo' movement seeking responsible state government in Mysore State and went on to become the first Chief Minister of the state.[4][5] He served in this position from 1947 to 1952.

He was elected as a member of the Mysore Legislative Assembly in 1952. Subsequently, he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1952-1957 and as a member of the Lok Sabha, representing Kolar from 1957-1962. During this period, he also served as Union Minister for Housing and Supplies during 1957-61 and as Union Minister for Commerce and Industries during 1961-62. Later, He also served as the governor of Madhya Pradesh from 1965 to 1971.[6]

His centenary was commemorated in 2002, during which his contribution for the development of the state was hailed.[7]

Preceded by
Post Established		 Chief Minister of Karnataka
25 October 1947 - 30 March 1952 		Succeeded by
Kengal Hanumanthaiah

See also

References

  1. ↑ "HISTORY OF FREEDOM MOVEMENT -7: The Mysore Congress". Ithihas.
  2. ↑ Community dominance and political modernisation: the Lingayats - Shankaragouda Hanamantagouda Patil - Google Books
  3. ↑ "Chapter I1 Trajectories of Development: History and Spatiality".
  4. ↑ "Freedom fighters get together for `Mysore chalo' anniversary". The Hindu. Oct 25, 2006.
  5. ↑ "When Independence breezed into Mysore". Mysore news.
  6. ↑ "Former Governors of Madhya Pradesh - Shri Kyasamballi Chengalrao Reddy". Raj Bhavan Bhopal Official Website. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  7. ↑ "CM hails K.C.Reddy's contribution to State". The Hindu. May 6, 2002.