Honest, educated people should join politics: Dinesh

It was a dream run for former DGP V Dinesh Reddy. On the day he joined the YSRCP, he was given a ticket to contest from the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha seat – the biggest constituency in the country with nearly 29.53 lakh voters. Though the former police chief was pitted against a former IAS officer, a professor, a doctor and an educationist, Dinesh Reddy expressed confidence of his chances.

Dinesh Reddy said that his tryst with politics wasn’t by chance but a conscious decision. “I was in public service for about 36 years and discharged my duties with integrity, conviction and honesty. I have always felt there is a need for educated people with honesty and integrity to join politics and to serve people. This prompted me to join politics.” Dinesh joined the YSRCP as he was inspired by the work of former Chief Minister late YS Rajasekhara Reddy through his welfare measures and his son Jaganmohan Reddy’s aim to uphold the legacy and the ideology of his father.

“I chose Malkajgiri constituency because it is neglected. The roads are in a pathetic state. There is perennial drinking water problem and no safety for women in a few segments. There are law and order problems too. I am confident that I will be able to solve these problems.” Dismissing reports that he chose the constituency because of the huge presence of Seemandhra ‘settlers’, he said: “Not at all. The constituency is called mini-India owing to the presence of all communities and I want to make my mark here. Leaders earlier had promised big but failed to deliver on that. They have neglected the constituency.”

The former DGP expressed confidence of putting the constituency on development track. “I have a proven track record and a penchant for service and welfare measures, be it my stint with APSRTC or as the police chief. I have put APSRTC on the profit track. During my tenure as the police chief, I have increased the salaries of Home Guards, introduced welfare schemes, set up canteens and brought corporate healthcare for the police. If I am given a chance to represent as MP, I will work for the welfare of weaker sections and empower youth and women,” he said.

A newbie to electioneering, Dinesh Reddy expressed happiness about the progress of his campaigning. “It’s an exhilarating experience and the response from the public is overwhelming. They are welcoming me with open arms,” he said.

Referring to the tough times during his tenure as DGP, he said: “There were three separate movements at that time – Telangana, separate Andhra and Samaikyandhra. Organising and taking part in the movement is a right in democracy and I have encouraged it. The police took action only during the spurt in violence and not against the movement. I can proudly claim that despite these movements, I had maintained law and order without firing a single rubber bullet.” The former DGP said that the educated should take part in politics. He also urged people to vote for the righteous. “Time has come for the educated and those with integrity to join politics. I also request the people to think before they cast their vote. Don’t be gullible. Don’t leave your fate in the hands of unjust for five years.” He expressed confidence that the YSRCP will win in Seemandhra and fare well in Telangana. “I am confident that the party will play a key role at the Centre.” To a question on his opponents, the former DGP declined to comment and said that he is going ahead on a positive note.