Senior Congress leader and former minister Ramareddy Damodar Reddy passed away late on Wednesday at the age of 73 while undergoing treatment at AIG Hospital, Hyderabad. A five-times MLA from Nalgonda district, he had represented both Tungaturthi and Suryapet constituencies during his long political career.
Political Journey
Damodar Reddy was among the senior-most leaders of the Congress party in Telangana State. His electoral career spanned several decades, earning him recognition as a strong grassroots leader in Old Nalgonda district.
He was first elected as an MLA from Tungaturthi Assebly and went on to serve multiple terms from Tungaturthi and Suryapet constituencies. His strong hold in these regions made him a key figure for the Congress, particularly during the era of late Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
During YSR’s cabinet in united Andhra Pradesh, Damodar Reddy served as the Minister for Information Technology, contributing to the development of the IT sector and representing the Congress government in crucial policy decisions.
Family Political Legacy
Politics ran deep in the Ramareddy family. Damodar Reddy’s elder brother, Ramareddy Venkata Reddy, was also a minister. The duo, popularly known as the Ramareddy Brothers, were considered influential within the Congress party and held a strong presence in the Nalgonda region. Venkata Reddy passed away in 2016, and now the demise of Damodar Reddy marks the end of an era for their family’s political legacy.
Tributes Pour In
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep grief and condolences on the passing of the senior Congress leader. In his statement, he recalled Damodar Reddy’s decades of service to the people of Nalgonda district.
“Damodar Reddy garu dedicated his life to public service. His absence is an irreparable loss to the Congress party and to Telangana. I pray for his soul to rest in peace and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members,” the Chief Minister said.
Several senior Congress leaders and political figures across Telangana also conveyed condolences, acknowledging his contribution to public life and the development of his constituencies.
Legacy
Damodar Reddy will be remembered as a seasoned politician, a five-time MLA, and a leader who maintained close ties with the people throughout his career. His political journey, marked by both administrative responsibilities and grassroots connections, has left a lasting imprint on the Congress party in Telangana.