Ex Chief Minister of United Andhra Pradesh, Anjaiah was not a Dalit but a Reddy by caste, clarified his grandson Abhishek Reddy.
He gave the clarity on caste, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a political campaigning, blamed the ex-Prime Minister of India, Rajeev Gandhi for allegedly humiliating and disrespecting Anjaiah because he was a Dalit CM of United AP.
Even though Anjaiah’s family raised several objections in the past, the BJP leaders ignored all such objections and continued to use Rajeev episode, only to criticize the main opposition party Congress.
It is because of that reason, Abhishek Reddy came forward to take against Modi. He even warned to proceed legally against BJP leaders, if they continue to raise about Anjaiah’s caste during elections.
Anjaiah’s actual ‘Reddy’ caste was not heard much during those days and adding to it, he was mostly identified to be pro-poor. That could be the reason for many to consider him as a Dalit.
On the other side, it was widely believed that Rajeev Gandhi insulted Anjaiah in the presence of Congress leaders. BJP using the same issue, allegedly for the political mileage, is troubling Anjaiah’s family now. It should be seen, whether BJP leaders refrain from using Rajeev’s episode at least from now.