Reddy, then only 14, participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942 and was arrested for taking out a students' procession protesting Gandhi's arrest. He later participated in the Hyderabad Peoples' Movement in 1947 where he organised a satyagraha movement against the Nizam's Rule for which he was arrested and imprisoned at the Chanchalguda Jail for 6 months. During his time in prison he edited the Payam-e-Nav, a weekly he circulated among his prison mates.[6]
Reddy served as the governor of Uttar Pradesh from 12 February 1990 to 25 May 1993 and as the Governor of Odisha from 1 June 1993 to 17 June 1995.[8] He also held additional charge of the Governor of West Bengal between 13 July 1993 and 14 August 1993. He was the Governor of Uttar Pradesh when the Babri Masjid was demolished.