Personal Life & Political Career
Mallipudi Mangapathi Pallam Raju (born 24 January 1962) is an Indian politician and the former Union Minister for Human Resources Development in the Central Government. He is a member of the 9th, 14th and 15th Lok Sabha of India.He represents the Kakinada constituency of Andhra Pradesh and is a member of the Indian National Congress.
Early life and education
Pallam Raju was born in Pithapuram, East Godavari of Andhra Pradesh, India. Born into a political family, he is the eldest among two children. His grandfather, Late Mallipudi Pallam Raju was a freedom fighter and his father Shri M.S. Sanjeevi Rao was a Union Minister in the Government of India (1982–1984).
He finished his schooling from The Hyderabad Public School,Begumpet (HPS), (1971–1979). He is an Electronics & Communications Engineering graduate (BE) from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (1979–1983) and has an MBA from Temple University, Philadelphia, USA (1983–1985).
He was an NCC cadet and a keen sportsman. Pallam Raju represented his school and college in several athletic and football tournaments in the country.
Political and social views
The bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana state saw widespread agitation in the Seemandhra region and the demand for a united Andhra Pradesh. Raju elected from Kakinada in the Seemandhra region, has strongly opposed the division of Andhra Pradesh and had been critical of the way the government was going about the issue. Raju said the Cabinet had taken the decision to bifurcate the state in great haste without understanding the concerns of the region and considering the sentiments of the people. However, he continued to remain in the government and was criticised for not resigning. Raju has stood by his decision not to quit and is quoted to have said that though tendering one's resignation is considered a popular move with the election round the corner. He preferred to remain in the government and represent the views of his people at this crucial juncture. He preferred that the people of his constituency take into account the work and development in the constituency in the last two consecutive terms. He is said to be one of the few MP's to have completely used his MP LADS (Member of Parliament, Local Area Development Fund Scheme) for the development of his constituency.
Personal life
Pallam Raju is married to Mamatha Mallipudi and has a daughter Vahini Raje and a son named Jatin Sanjeevi Rao.