He was the leader of opposition in first Telangana Assembly and served as the Minister for Panchayat Raj & Rural Water Supply in the State of Andhra Pradesh during its term from 2009 to 2014.

His political career started by joining the Telugu Desam Party founded by Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, and was first elected to the State Legislature from the Chalakurthi constituency of the Nalgonda district in 1983.

He was re-elected for seven terms to the Assembly from the Chalakurthi constituency, and went on to hold portfolios such as Agriculture, Co-operative, Marketing, Forest, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Weights & Measures, C.A.D., Transport, Roads & Buildings, Housing Panchayath Raj, Rural water scheme and Sanitation in the government of Andhra Pradesh.

Rama Rao on expelling 30 cabinet ministers in 1988 and founded a political party - Telugumahanadu which eventually merged with Congress on call given by then AICC president Shri Late Rajiv Gandhi ji.

Known for his vast experience spanning 30 years in AP state politics, administration and impeccable track record Jana Reddy, served as the Minister for Panchayati Raj & RWS - Andhra Pradesh, apart from being active in the Telangana movement and has led various delegations to All India Congress Committee (AICC) representing the Telangana Statehood issue.