Smt. D.K. Aruna, a prominent political figure and Member of Parliament from Mahabubnagar Lok Sabha constituency, celebrated her birthday on May 4, 2025. On this special occasion, Honourable Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri A. Revanth Reddy, extended his warmest greetings to her. In a personal letter, the Chief Minister wished Smt. D.K. Aruna good health, happiness, and continued success in her remarkable career dedicated to public service. This gesture highlights the respect and camaraderie between two influential leaders in Telangana’s political landscape. Let’s dive deeper into Smt. D.K. Aruna’s inspiring life, her political career, and her contributions to Mahabubnagar and beyond.
Who Is Smt. D.K. Aruna? A Trailblazer in Telangana Politics
Smt. D.K. Aruna, fondly known as “Jejamma” by the people of Mahabubnagar, is a seasoned politician and the National Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Born on May 4, 1960, in Dhanwada village of Mahabubnagar district, she grew up in a family deeply rooted in politics. Her father, Chittem Narsi Reddy, was a respected leader and a member of the Makthal Legislative Assembly. Tragically, he lost his life to Naxalite violence on Independence Day in Narayanpet, an event that left a profound impact on Aruna’s life and her eventual entry into politics.
Aruna’s early exposure to political discussions and her family’s legacy shaped her ambitions. Despite the male-dominated political landscape of her time, she broke barriers and carved a niche for herself as a formidable leader. Her journey from a young girl in a small village to a Member of Parliament is a testament to her resilience, determination, and commitment to serving the people.
Early Life and Education: The Foundation of a Leader
D.K. Aruna, originally named Arundhati, spent her early years in Dhanwada, where she completed her education up to the seventh grade. She later moved to Hyderabad to continue her studies, attending the Madapati Hanumantha Rao School until the tenth grade. Her academic journey continued at Reddy College, where she pursued her intermediate education. From a young age, Aruna was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which nurtured her leadership skills and sense of social responsibility.
After completing her degree, Aruna married Bharat Simha Reddy in a traditional ceremony arranged by her family. The couple has three daughters—Shravanti, Shruti, and Higna—all of whom are now married. Despite her responsibilities as a wife and mother, Aruna’s passion for public service never waned. While her siblings pursued higher education and professional careers, Aruna chose to follow in her father’s footsteps and enter the challenging world of politics.
The Beginnings of a Political Career: Rising Through the Ranks
Smt. D.K. Aruna’s political journey began at the grassroots level when she contested and won the Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) election in Pantulu Mandal under the Kolhapur constituency. This victory marked her entry into politics and set the stage for her future achievements. In 1996, she joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and contested the Lok Sabha election from Mahabubnagar. Although she lost to Congress candidate Mallikarjun, this election was a crucial learning experience for her.
Undeterred by the defeat, Aruna switched to the Congress party and contested the Gadwal Assembly seat in 1999. She faced another setback, losing to TDP’s Ghattu Bheemudu. However, Aruna viewed these losses as stepping stones to success. Her perseverance paid off in 2004 when she ran as a rebel candidate on a Samajwadi Party ticket after being denied a Congress nomination. This time, she defeated Ghattu Bheemudu and secured her first Assembly seat, marking her official entry into the Telangana Legislative Assembly.
Key Milestones in D.K. Aruna’s Political Career
A Breakthrough Victory and Ministerial Role
In 2004, D.K. Aruna’s victory in Gadwal was notable for securing the highest majority in her district. Initially elected on a Samajwadi Party ticket, she later aligned with Congress and became an associate member. Her growing influence within the party led to her expulsion from the Samajwadi Party in 2007, after which she formally joined Congress under the leadership of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
Aruna’s dedication to her constituency earned her a second term in Gadwal in 2009. Following this win, she was appointed to Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s cabinet, becoming the first woman from her district to serve as a state minister. During her tenure, she focused on addressing the needs of her constituents, resolving local issues, and driving development in Gadwal.
Championing Telangana Statehood and District Formation
D.K. Aruna played a significant role during the Telangana statehood movement, advocating for a separate state alongside other leaders. Her efforts continued to yield results in the 2014 elections, where she won Gadwal for the third consecutive time, defeating the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) candidate Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy by a margin of 8,000 votes. This victory solidified her position as a dominant political force in Gadwal.
One of Aruna’s most significant contributions was her relentless push to make Gadwal a separate district. In 2016, she resigned from her Assembly seat to press this demand, a bold move that eventually led to the creation of Jogulamba Gadwal district. Her advocacy for regional development and her ability to deliver on promises earned her widespread admiration.
Navigating Challenges and Party Transitions
Facing Setbacks with Resilience
Despite her successes, D.K. Aruna faced challenges in her political career. In the 2018 early elections, she suffered a significant defeat amid a strong TRS wave. However, Aruna remained undeterred, continuing to critique the ruling government and maintaining her relevance in Telangana politics. In 2023, her son-in-law, Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, won the Gadwal seat with a massive 28,000-vote majority, showcasing the enduring influence of Aruna’s political legacy.
A New Chapter with BJP
In 2019, after being denied an MP ticket by Congress, D.K. Aruna joined the BJP, marking a new chapter in her career. Although she lost the Lok Sabha election that year, her commitment to public service impressed the BJP leadership, who appointed her as the National Vice President of the party. In 2024, the BJP fielded her again for the Lok Sabha elections from Mahabubnagar. Her performance in this election and her potential to secure a seat in Parliament remain a topic of keen interest.
D.K. Aruna’s Impact on Mahabubnagar and Telangana Politics
Empowering Women in Politics
D.K. Aruna’s journey is an inspiration for women in politics. At a time when female representation was scarce, she rose through the ranks with determination and grit. Her nickname “Jejamma” reflects the affection and respect she has earned from the people of Mahabubnagar. Aruna’s ability to connect with her constituents, address their concerns, and drive development has made her a beloved leader in the region.
A Legacy of Development
Throughout her career, D.K. Aruna has prioritized the development of her constituency. From improving infrastructure to advocating for Gadwal’s district status, her contributions have had a lasting impact on Mahabubnagar. Her work during the Telangana movement and her role in shaping the state’s political landscape underscore her commitment to regional progress.
A Voice for the People
Known for her fiery speeches and sharp criticism of the ruling party, D.K. Aruna has established herself as a firebrand leader. Her ability to articulate the concerns of her constituents and hold the government accountable has earned her a reputation as a fearless advocate for the people.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s Birthday Wishes: A Symbol of Unity
The birthday wishes from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to Smt. D.K. Aruna highlight the spirit of mutual respect among Telangana’s political leaders, despite their differing party affiliations. In his letter, Reddy expressed admiration for Aruna’s contributions to public service and her dedication to the people of Mahabubnagar. This gesture not only celebrates Aruna’s personal milestone but also underscores the importance of collaboration in politics for the greater good of the state.
What Lies Ahead for Smt. D.K. Aruna?
As Smt. D.K. Aruna continues her political journey, her focus remains on strengthening the BJP’s presence in Telangana and serving the people of Mahabubnagar. With her vast experience, unyielding determination, and deep connection with her constituents, she is well-positioned to make further strides in her career. Whether she secures a stronger foothold in Parliament or continues to influence Telangana politics at the state level, Aruna’s legacy as a trailblazer and a people’s leader is already firmly established.
Conclusion: Celebrating a Political Icon on Her Birthday
Smt. D.K. Aruna’s birthday is not just a personal celebration but also an occasion to reflect on her remarkable contributions to Telangana politics. From her early days in Dhanwada to her current role as a Member of Parliament and BJP National Vice President, Aruna has consistently demonstrated her commitment to public service. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s heartfelt birthday wishes are a fitting tribute to a leader who has dedicated her life to the welfare of her people. As we celebrate her achievements, we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her leadership in the years to come.
