V. Venkatasubha Reddiar

V. Venkatasubha Reddiar (died 1982) was the second and the fourth Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Pondicherry (Puducherry). He was the first Indian Chief Minister of Puducherry. He was born in a wealthy agricultural family at Madukkarai, Pondicherry. His father Vaithilinga Reddiar was the Mayor of Nettapakkam commune during the French rule. Thus he belongs to one of the most politically influential families. His son V. Vaithilingam was also the chief minister of Pondichherry. V.Venkatasubha Reddiar was a person of unimpeachable integrity and highly respected by one and all both in Pondicherry and all over India for his gentleness, kindness, generosity and magnanimity even towards those who differed from him in their political views. His sacrifices and struggles to liberate Pondicherry from French rule would take volumes in the annals of Pondicherry history. He possessed neither rancour nor malice towards any one either personally or politically. He neither sought nor go after fame and name. Fame and name came to stay with V.Venkatasubba Reddiar, as one of the chief architects of liberation of Pondicherry from the French rule and his name as the most benevolent and humane Chief Minister will remain in the Pondicherry's political pages till the end of time.

Political career

He was the pioneer in the freedom struggle to liberate Pondicherry from French rule. As per the direction of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru 12 leaders including him formed a parallel government against French Government on 31 March 1954 which resulted to merge Pondicherry with Indian Union on 13 October 1954. He was the Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Pondicherry. He held this position from September 11, 1964 to April 8, 1967 and from March 6, 1968 to September 17, 1968. By nature he was a reformist with constructive views of the development of the union territory of Puducherry.

Death

He died on June 6, 1982 at the age of 72.

See also

• Pondicherry Legislative Assembly election, 1964

Notes