Mp.Agaram Subbarayalu Reddiar | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 1st First Minister of Madras Presidency | |
| In office 17 December 1920 – 11 July 1921 | |
| Governor | Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Raja of Panagal |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 October 1855 |
| Died | November 1921 (age 66) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Political party | Justice Party |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | lawyer |
Diwan BahadurAgaram Subbarayalu Reddiar[1] (b. 15 October 1855 – d. November 1921) was alandlord and the inauguralFirst Minister ofMadras Presidency from 17 December 1920 to 11 July 1921.[2]
Subbarayalu Reddiar was born in aReddiar family of South Arcot in 1855. He studied law in the West. On his return to India, Subbarayalu Reddiar involved himself in district politics of South Arcot and served as a district board president. Initially, he joined theIndian National Congress but left the party in 1916 to join the Justice Party. When the Justice Party was elected to power in the Madras Presidency in the first general elections in November 1920, Subbarayalu Reddiar was chosen as the First Minister. Thus, Subbarayalu Reddiar is the inaugural First Minister of Madras Presidency.[3][4]
Subbarayalu Reddiar served as First Minister till 11 July 1921 when he resigned on grounds of health. He died soon afterwards.
Agaram Subbarayalu Reddiar was born in a richlandlord family domiciled inSouth Arcot district ofMadras Presidency on 15 October 1855.[5] He studied inPresidency College, Chennai, along withTheagaroya Chetty.[6] Later he studied law in the United Kingdom.
Subbarayalu Reddiar served as the President of Cuddalore taluk Board in 1912. In 1917 he became the chair of South Arcot District Board. He later became the first First Minister ofMadras Presidency, present-day state ofTamil Nadu.[7][8]
At the end of November 1920, the first general elections were held to the Madras Legislative Assembly as per the Montford Reforms.[9] TheIndian National Congress, a part of its policy during theNon-Cooperation Movement boycotted the elections.[9] As a result, the Justice Party swept to power winning 63 of the 98 Assembly seats to which elections were conducted.[9] Among the nominated members, it had a strength of 18 adding up to a total of 81 members in a chamber of 127.[9]
Following the success of the Justice Party in the 1920 elections,Lord Willingdon invitedSir Theagaroya Chetty to form the Government.[10] However, he passed on the mantle to Subbarayalu Reddiar.[11] Subbarayalu Reddiar assumed office as First Minister on 17 December 1920 and held the portfolios of education, public works, excise and registration in the new government.[11] The first session of the assembly was inaugurated by Duke of Connaught on 13 January 1921.[12] On 14 February 1921, three new Council Secretaries were appointed by the Justice party Government. However, Subbarayalu Reddiar resigned soon afterwards on grounds of health.[11]
| Subbarayalu Reddiar's Cabinet | |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | Minister |
| Education, Excise and Public works | A. Subbarayalu Reddiar(Also First Minister) |
| Local Self-Government | Panaganti Ramarayaningar |
| Development | Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu |
| Source: Encyclopaedia of Political Parties | |
Subbarayalu Reddiar died in November 1921.[13][14][15]
| Preceded by Post created | First Minister of Madras Presidency 17 December 1920 – 11 July 1921 | Succeeded by |