AP CM Kiran Reddy to complete three years in office tomorrow

, Nov 24:

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy will complete three years in office tomorrow, marking the most tumultuous phase in the state's history on account of the Telangana statehood issue.

Reddy had assumed office as the 16th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on November 25, 2010 in the wake of the resignation of incumbent K Rosaiah. With his own party (Congress) remaining divided vertically on regional lines over the division issue, it is no mean an achievement for the 53-year-old cricketer-turned-politician to complete three years in office.

Reddy acquired the image of a no-nonsense and able administrator.

Reddy was, in fact, not expected to remain in power for long when he assumed office as the Jagan factor compounded his cup of woes. He has not only battled attacks on him, almost on a daily basis, from Congress leaders, but also main opposition TDP, YSR Congress and others. Though Congress and opposition leaders attacked him over his style of functioning, he acquired the image of being a no-nonsense and tough administrator.

Against the backdrop of several Congress MLAs switching loyalties, Reddy had also survived a no-confidence motion moved against his government. Reddy's government has launched a number of development and welfare schemes like according legal status to SC and ST sub-plans, 'Indiramma Bata' (on path shown by Indiramma) for verifying the implementation of government schemes, 'Rachabanda' (village junction) mass-contact programme for providing benefits like PDS ration cards, social security pensions, housing, Arogya Sri health insurance, NREGS among others.

The state government has enhanced the input subsidy for farming community from Rs 6,000 per hectare to Rs 10,000 and a special agriculture plan was presented along with the budget for 2013-14.

PTI