Gaddam Venkatswamy

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Gaddam Venkatswamy (5 October 1929 – 22 December 2014) was an Indian politician who was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha.

He represented the Peddapalli constituency of Telangana and was a member of the Indian National Congress (INC) political party. He was popularly known as Kaka or Gudisela Venkataswamy. He was elected to Lok Sabha 7 times, 4 times from Peddapalli Lok Sabha and 3 times from Siddipet Lok Sabha. His son Gaddam Vivekanand represented Peddapalli Lok Sabha from 2009–2014.^{[citation needed]}

Both his sons Gaddam Vinod Kumar, former MLA and Minister and Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy are politicians.^[1] Venkatswamy died of an illness on 22 December 2014, in Care hospital in Hyderabad.^[2] He belonged to Mala community.

Kaka Garu was an Indian politician who served as a three-time MLA, seven-time member of parliament, and three-time Union Minister in various Congress-led governments. Known for his dedication to public service and his close association with some of India’s most influential political leaders, Kaka Garu played a crucial role in shaping welfare policies and political reforms in India.

Kaka Garu was born in Telangana and began his political career as a member of the Youth Congress. His rise within the Congress Party was meteoric, becoming a trusted confidant of Indira Gandhi. He was instrumental in introducing the Fair Price Shops system across the country, ensuring that affordable food and essential items were available to the underprivileged.

During his time as a Union Minister, Kaka Garu implemented several key welfare initiatives under the Congress leadership. His most notable achievements include the introduction of pension schemes for the elderly and underprivileged, which benefited millions across India.

Under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi, Kaka Garu played a crucial role in implementing reservations for backward classes (BCs) and women in the Panchayati Raj system. This reform gave marginalized communities an opportunity to participate in governance and decision-making at the grassroots level.

Kaka Garu’s passion for education led him to establish a college for underprivileged students, where 5,000 students graduate annually without any donations. Many of these students have gone on to become IAS, IPS officers, and other key public figures, making significant contributions to the country.

In addition to his work in politics and welfare, Kaka Garu made significant contributions to sports development in Telangana. He personally funded the construction of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad with a donation of 5 crore rupees, ensuring the state had a venue for international cricket matches.

Kaka Garu was an active participant in the Telangana movement, advocating for the rights of the region’s people. His leadership during key moments of the movement, including protests and rail rokos, solidified his position as a champion of Telangana’s cause. His family continues this legacy, with his son playing an active role in leading agitations and furthering the cause of Telangana’s statehood.

Kaka Garu’s family established the Visaka Charitable Trust, through which they have spent over 100 crore rupees on various social welfare initiatives, including water borewells, school buildings, women startups, and aiding the underprivileged.

Despite political challenges, Kaka Garu son Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy and grandson Vamsi Gaddam remained committed to the Congress Party. His family’s financial contributions and unwavering support for the party have been pivotal in shaping Telangana’s political future. After a brief hiatus, the family returned to the Congress Party, playing a key role in winning seven seats in Pedapally and helping form the government in 2023.

Kaka Garu’s legacy of service, sacrifice, and commitment to public welfare continues through his family, who remain key figures in Telangana’s political landscape.

• 1957– 62 and 1978–84 Member, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly (two terms)
• 1967 Elected to 4th Lok Sabha
• 1969 – 71 Member, Public Accounts Committee
• 1971 Re-elected to 5th Lok Sabha (2nd term)
• Feb. 1973 – Nov. 1973 Union Deputy Minister, Labour and Rehabilitation
• Nov. 1973 – March 1977 Union Deputy Minister, Supply and Rehabilitation
• 1977 Re-elected to 6th Lok Sabha (3rd term)
• 1978 – 1982 Cabinet Minister, Labour and Civil Supply, Andhra Pradesh
• 1982 – 1984 President, P.C.C.(I.), Andhra Pradesh
• 1989 Elected to 9th Lok Sabha (4th term)
• 1990 – 1991 Member, Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Industry
• 1991 Re-elected to 10th Lok Sabha (5th term)
• 21 June 1991-17 Jan. 1993 Union Minister of State, Rural Development^[3]
• 18 January 1993 – 10 February 1995 Union Minister of State, Textiles (Independent Charge)
• 10 February 1995 – 15 September 1995 Union Cabinet Minister, Textiles
• 15 September 1995 – 10 May 1996 Union Cabinet Minister, Labour
• 20 February 1996 – 16 May 1996 Union Cabinet Minister, Labour and Textiles
• 1996 Re-elected to 11th Lok Sabha (6th term)
• 2002–2004 President, A.I.C.C. (SC&ST)
• 2004 Re-elected to 14th Lok Sabha (7th term)
• 2009 No ticket to 15th Lok Sabha
• Deputy Leader Congress Parliamentary Party, Lok Sabha
• Member, Committee on Energy
• Member, Committee on Installation of Portraits/Statues of National Leaders, Parliamentarians in Parliament House Complex
• Member, Committee on Ethics
• Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Heavy Industries
• 5 August 2007 onwards – Member, Standing Committee on Energy

Founded, (i) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Post Graduate Centre, (ii) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Degree College, (iii) Law College, (iv) Junior College, (v) High School; general secretary, National Huts Union, Hyderabad; provided permanent accommodation for 75,000 hut dwellers; founder president, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Education Society which was later converted into Public Education Trust and inaugurated by the then president of India Shri V.V. Giri in 1973; under this society nine colleges are running without taking donations.

• http://www.telanganastateofficial.com/g-venkat-swamy-congress-senior-kaka-expired-died/
• http://www.simplytelangana.com/news/2010/08/20/hero-srikanths-case-sends-shivers-down-the-spine-for-andhrites/^{[permanent dead link]}
• http://www.andhrajyothy.com/Discussion.asp?id=81&page=2 Archived 19 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine