Vaithilingam
Vaithilingam V. Reddiar (born October 10, 1950) was a Chief Minister of Pondicherry, serving from 1991 to 1996. He is credited to having given the first stable and efficient government for a complete five year term. He is a senior legislature serving six consecutive terms. He belongs to one the most politically influential families, being the son of former Chief Minister and freedom fighter Venkatasubba Reddiar. The Reddiar family has a long-standing and strong involment in the Congress Party.
Presenting himself as a reformist and dynamic leader, he headed the Pondicherry government from 1991 - 1996 and the Congress Legislative party from 1991 - 2000. His priorities as Chief Minister was to minimize budget deficit, increase private sector participation in public transport, improve health care system. He is the first to complete the full five year term, that marked a shift in unstable political sceen.
Vaithilingam was the first post-freedom born Chief Minister and the second youngest in thehistory of the state at 41.
Born in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu and raised in rural Madukarai, Pondicherry. His father Venkatasubba Reddiar was a well respected freedom fighter and politican.
Young Reddiar went to
Layola College, and for a time went to take care of his family farms. In 1969, Reddiar married Miss Sasikala Sambasivan (born 1954), the daughter of a popular local doctor. From an early age, he developed leadership skills. The earliest example is his role as chairperson of Land Development Bank.
In 1980, at the age of 30 ran for the Legislative assembly and lost with a narrow margin of90 odd votes. In 1985, Vaithilingam won to become Public Works and Power Minister. He became a leading figure among the congress party members. He advocated smaller government and greater participation of private sector. Vaithilingam projected an image as highly sympathetic to the concerns of ordinary people. This ensured his return and advance in power to become the Chief Minister in 1991. In addition to his political skills, Vaithilingam also benefited from a very skillful management of the economy and the liberalization policies followed by Prime Minister
P. V. Narasimha Rao. He advocated increased private sector participation in public road transport. Vaithilingam is the first and only one to complete a full term.
* C.M. Asraf
* Chandrahasu
* Gandhiraj
* Anandha Baskaran Chettiar
* N. Rangaswamy
He did have his share of critics: Vaithilingam was charged with an attempt to corrupt afellow legislature. Although he was acquitted on all charges, Vaithilingam was ousted aslegislative party leader in 2000.
Despite occasional political troubles, Vaithilingam remained popular with people. He wasfor the sixth time elected to the legislature, and currently serves as Industries and PowerMinister. He also serves as a special invitee to Congress Working Committee.
