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Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy also known as Gaddam Vivekanand, is an Indian politician from Indian National Congress and former Member of Parliament in the 15th Lok Sabha. He represented Peddapalli parliamentary constituency.

During November 2023, Vivek Venkataswamy officially stepped down from the BJP and rejoined the Congress party, along with his son Vamsi, during Rahul Gandhi's visit to Hyderabad. Earlier on 9 August 2019, he joined in Bharatiya Janata Party.

Early life

Vivek venkatswamy is the youngest son of veteran Indian National Congress member and former Member of Parliament Gaddam Venkatswamy and Kalavathi. He did his schooling from Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet and did his medicine, M.B.B.S, from Osmania Medical College. He belongs to Mala community.Growing up in a household deeply entrenched in public service, Vivek developed a strong sense of responsibility towards society, which shaped his future political career.

Vivek Venkatswamy is an Indian politician and social activist from Telangana. He is the son of Kaka Garu, a former three-time MLA, seven-time MP, and three-time Union Minister, and has followed in his father’s footsteps by serving as a Member of Parliament and a key figure in Telangana’s political landscape. Vivek is known for his leadership in the Telangana movement, his commitment to public welfare, and his role in continuing his family’s long-standing relationship with the Indian National Congress.

Career

Gaddam Vivek was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Peddapalli Constituency, after his father did not run the election. He was a member of coal committee and steel committee. Formerly, he is the adviser to the State Government of Telangana for Inter-State relations.He was elected the MLA of Chennur region of Mancherial District, Telangana, in 2023 for the Indian National Congress Party.

He is the vice chairman of Visaka industries. He runs popular 24/7 Telugu news channel V6 News and a Telugu daily news paper Velugu.

Political Career

Vivek began his political career with the Indian National Congress and quickly rose to prominence due to his dedication to public service and his ability to connect with the masses. He served as a Member of Parliament from the Peddapalli constituency and has been involved in various social and political movements, most notably the Telangana movement. His leadership during the rail roko agitation and other significant protests played a key role in bringing attention to the cause of Telangana’s statehood.

Telangana Movement and Arrests

Vivek was one of the prominent leaders advocating for a separate Telangana state. His active involvement in the Telangana agitation, including leading dharnas and protests, led to his arrest multiple times, most notably during the rail roko agitation. His dedication to the cause mirrored his father’s commitment to the people, making him a respected figure in the region.

Educational and Social Contributions

In line with his father’s vision, Vivek continues to support educational initiatives for the underprivileged. The college founded by his family educates over 5,000 students annually, without any donations, providing opportunities for underprivileged students to become leaders in society. Many alumni from the college have gone on to become IAS, IPS officers, and other significant public figures.

Through the Visaka Charitable Trust, Vivek has overseen the distribution of over 100 crore rupees towards social welfare initiatives such as building water borewells, schools, and promoting women’s entrepreneurship. His focus on community empowerment and education has had a lasting impact on underdeveloped areas in Telangana.

Rejoining Congress and Electoral Contributions

After a brief hiatus from the Congress Party, Vivek re-entered politics under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and played a pivotal role in ensuring the Congress Party's success in Pedapalli and other key constituencies in Telangana. His financial contribution of 3 crore rupees to the party during the 2014 elections was a crucial factor in Congress’ campaign. Vivek’s efforts helped the Congress Party win seven important seats in Pedapalli, contributing to forming the government in Telangana.

Political Challenges and ED Raid

In recent years, Vivek faced political and legal challenges, including an ED raid on his properties. Despite these obstacles, he remained steadfast in his political commitments and continued to work for the betterment of his constituency and the party. His resilience has been a defining feature of his political career.

Legacy and Ongoing Contributions

Vivek Venkatswamy continues to carry forward the legacy of his father, Kaka Garu, through his commitment to public service, education, and social justice. His leadership in Telangana’s political and social landscape is recognized for its integrity and dedication to empowering the underprivileged. Vivek remains a key figure in the Indian National Congress and continues to influence the political future of Telangana.

President of the HCA

He was appointed the president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association in 2017. He was removed from the post in 2018 due to conflict of interest. He started Telangana T20 League was not recognized by BCCI.

Positions held

• President, Hyderabad cricket association
• Member of Parliament, 15th Lok Sabha
• Member, Committee on Coal and Steel
• Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), A.P. Chapter, (2006–2007)
• Chairman, Manufacturers Association
• Vivek is the promoter and vice chairman of the Visaka group of companies.

References

1. Loksabha (2021). "Dr. Gaddam Vivekanand". Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
2. Congress MPs fight over Group-I exams. Deccan Chronicle, 7 September 2010.
3. "Vivek Venkataswamy: భాజపాకు షాక్‌.. మాజీ ఎంపీ వివేక్‌ రాజీనామా". EENADU (in Telugu). Retrieved 22 November 2023.
4. "G Vivek Venkataswamy quits BJP, joins Congress in Rahul's presence". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
5. "Denied ticket, G Vivekanand attacks KCR, TRS MLA hits back". Times of India. 24 March 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
6. "Ex-MP G Vivekanand joins BJP, slams KCR as 'dictator'". Times of India. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
7. "G. Vivekananda is new HCA president". 1 April 2017. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
8. "President of Hyd Cricket Association disqualified over conflict of interest". The News Minute. 9 March 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
9. "Hyderabad Cricket Association unveils Telangana T20 League owners". Deccan Chronicle. 13 January 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2021.

• Official Website

• Living people
• India MPs 2009–2014
• Telangana MLAs 2023–2028
• Bharat Rashtra Samithi politicians
• Lok Sabha members from Andhra Pradesh
• United Progressive Alliance candidates in the 2014 Indian general election
• People from Karimnagar district
• Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Telangana
• Indian National Congress politicians from Telangana
• 1957 births