Former Union Minister Shiv Shankar remembered on his birth anniversary

Punjala Shiv Shankar was a warrior who worked relentlessly for the upliftment of the Backward Classes (BCs) in the country, said Andhra Pradesh State Kapu Joint Action Committee (JAC) president Chandu Janardhan.

Speaking at a meeting organised by Kapu, BC, SC, ST and minority bodies in the State to commemorate the 96th birth anniversary of the late Union Minister Shiv Shankar in Vijayawada on Sunday, Mr. Janardhan paid glowing tributes to the former and recalled how he stood firmly behind the Kapu movement led by Vangaveeti Mohan Ranga, offering his full support.

Former Minister and TDP MLA Kanna Lakshminarayana said that the reason he became an MLA was because of Shiv Shankar. In 1989, he recalled, when his B-Form (party ticket) was changed, it was Shiv Shankar who personally ensured that Rajiv Gandhi directly handed him the B-Form again. “Shiv Shankar had an eye for identifying and encouraging activists at the national level leadership,” he said.

JSP MLA Mandali Budha Prasad said Shiv Shankar came from a modest background, but rose to great heights in his career due to hard work and dedication. He initially practiced law after earning his law degree from Osmania University and was appointed as a judge at the Andhra Pradesh High Court around 1974-75. However, he resigned within a year to return to legal practice, becoming one of the few judges to do so.

Soon after, he was appointed Union Law Minister in Indira Gandhi’s cabinet (1980–82), and later took on roles such as Minister of Petroleum and Energy.

Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Uma recalled his frequent visits to Shiv Shankar’s office and residence, along with Vangaveeti Ranga.

Andhra Pradesh Congress vice-president and BC leader Kolanukonda Shivaji, who presided over the meeting, said Shiv Shankar was a multi-faceted leader who utilised his talent, wisdom and diligence as a lawyer, a judge and a Union Minister to work for the upliftment of the BCs.

BC community leader G. Gurunatham, Kapunadu president Galla Subramanyam and Radha Ranga Mithra Mandali president Chennupati Srinivas also participated and paid tributes to the late leader.