Gaddam Vinod Venkataswamy is a prominent politician in Telangana's political landscape. Hailing from a distinguished lineage as the son of former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader Gaddam Venkataswamy, Vinod embodies a legacy of service and commitment to the people.
As the current Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Bellampalli Assembly Constituency (in Mancherial District) from North Telangana, his leadership has left an indelible mark on the socio-political landscape of the region.
Early Life & Business edit
Born to prominent Telugu politician Gaddam Venkataswamy and Kalavati on 16th September, 1956 and has one younger brother and three sisters. Initial years of his schooling were at All Saints High School in Hyderabad and later, completed his schooling from Hyderabad Public School. He then studied at Nrupatunga Junior College for his intermediate and then pursued his graduation at Nizam College until 1975. Soon after graduation, he ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship in 1976, establishing Veenus Tobacco that provided employment to 400 people over 35 years. Following his first successful business stint, he also set up a Cement Factory with the support of younger brother and father in Vikarabad. After running the cement factory successfully for a few years and growing it to a considerable size, he then sold it off to India Cements.
Alongside his business endeavors, Vinod’s passion for cricket led him to serve as the Vice-President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association and subsequently as President from 1996 to 2004, where he showcased his leadership prowess beyond the Boardroom. As the President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association and along with his brother, Vivek, who leads Visakha Industries got a proposal approved in 2003 for the construction of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad. Following a change in state leadership in 2004, the stadium got approval from the then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy where the HCA under Gaddam Vinod played a major role in ensuring timely completion of the stadium.
Furthermore, his leadership extends beyond legislative duties, as evidenced by his tenure as President of the Hyderabad Cricket Association from 2004 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2014, where he showcased his organizational prowess and commitment to the promotion of sports.
Political life edit
Inspired by his father's legacy, Vinod transitioned into politics in 1999, driven by a fervent desire to effect a meaningful change in society. As his first political stint, he contested as an MLA from Chennur Assembly Constituency from the Indian National Congress (INC) and lost the seat to Telugu Desam Party’s Boda Janardhan. Despite initial setbacks, his determination remained steadfast, eventually leading to his triumphant election as an MLA from the Chennur Constituency in 2004 against the same candidate, Boda Janardhan from TDP. During this time, he was elevated as the Minister for Labour and Textiles in United Andhra Pradesh from 2004 to 2009, under the leadership of then Chief Minister, Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy.
In 2009 Assembly Elections in united Andhra Pradesh, he again contested from Chennur Constituency on a Congress Party ticket and lost to Nalla Odellu from the BRS. Consequently, in the 2010 By-election and in 2014 Assembly elections (post bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and formation of Telangana), he lost from Chennur against the same candidate, Nalla Odellu. As someone with an undying spirit, Vinod contested the 2018 Assembly elections from Bellampalli Assembly Constituency with a ticket from the Bahujan Samaj Party against Durgam Chinnayya of the BRS and lost. In 2023, he returned to Congress and contested from Bellampalli Constituency against Durgam Chinnayya of the BRS and won with a thumping majority of 82,217 votes with a vote share of 57.96%.[1]
| Year | Election | Constituency | Party | Outcome | Opponent | Opponent Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | MLA | Chennur constituency | INC | Lost | Boda Janardhan | TDP |
| 2004 | Won | Boda Janardhan | TDP | |||
| 2009 | Lost | Nallala Odelu | TRS | |||
| 2010 'By-election' | Lost | Nallala Odelu | TRS | |||
| 2014 | Lost | Nallala Odelu | TRS | |||
| 2018 | Bellampalli constituency | BSP | Lost | Durgam Chinnaiah | TRS | |
| 2023 | INC | Won | Durgam Chinnaiah | BRS |
Notable Achievements edit
Vinod's political journey is punctuated by a series of notable achievements that underscore his dedication to public service. During his tenure as the former Labour and Employment Minister (2004-2009), Vinod undertook transformative initiatives that uplifted his constituency, securing funds totaling Rs. 12,000 crore for its development.
Notably, his efforts facilitated the establishment of a 1200-Megawatt Singareni Thermal Power Project at the cost of Rs. 300 crore in Pegadapalli village, a testament to his commitment to infrastructural growth and economic prosperity. His proximity and good rapport with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh helped the Thermal Power Plant become in 2016 and is run by the Singareni Collieries Company (SCC). Today, this power project is one of key power suppliers to the state of Telangana.
From his role in facilitating infrastructural development like roads, irrigation projects to his advocacy for marginalized communities, he has consistently prioritized the welfare of his constituents and spent funds worth over Rs.9,000 crore for this purpose. His efforts have also helped set up a 33KV sub-station in Jaipur and Chennur mandals.
Additionally, Vinod has played a key role in getting Two Medium Irrigation Projects - Mathadi Vagu [2]and Golla Vagu[3] - each with a project cost of Rs. 800 crore. Keeping the welfare of farmers in mind, he has ensured that 2,000 farmers losing their lands in Adilabad district for various projects got a fair compensation of upto Rs. 1600 crore. On the other hand, he also got 3,000 pensions for elderly people in Chennur mandal apart from constructing 400 borewells for people in Chennur mandal.
As the Secretary for Dr B.R. Ambedkar College since 1985, he has championed the cause of education and empowerment. He is also credited for working with the University Grants Commission (UGC) to ensure a NAAC - GRADE A accreditation for the College. Additionally, he remains an active member of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) from Bellampalli Constituency, lending his expertise to the party's endeavors. His roles as a disciplinary committee member of the TPCC and Vice-President further underscore his integral role within the political sphere.
Currently serving as the MLA for the Bellampalli Constituency, Vinod continues to champion the aspirations of his constituents with unwavering dedication. His inclusive governance approach, coupled with a deep-rooted commitment to social justice, resonates deeply with the people he serves.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Telangana politics, Gaddam Vinod Venkataswamy stands as a fierce loyalist to the Indian National Congress (INC), a beacon of hope, embodying the principles of integrity, empathy, and progress for all.
References edit
- ^ https://results.eci.gov.in/AcResultGenDecNew2023/ConstituencywiseS293.htm
- ^ https://nregastrep.nic.in/netnrega/work_cat_detl.aspx?lflag=eng&page=b&block_code=3638026&workstatus=02&finyear=2023-2024&state_name=TELANGANA&state_code=36&district_name=Sangareddy&block_name=WATPALLE&Digest=rWu8in37bVHMFUE/Hho/AA
- ^ https://manatelanagan.blogspot.com/p/gollavagu-medium-irrigation-project.html