Simhadri Satyanarayana No More

Former minister Simhadri Satyanarayana Rao (82) passed away on Friday after a prolonged illness.

Simhadri Satyanarayana had held various ministries during the tenure of former chief minister and Telugu Desam Party founder N T Rama Rao.

The late leader was seen as the Kapu face of the party for many years and this was most visible during the infamous Ranga murder incident in Krishna district. Satyanarayana, the incharge of the district at that time, was one of the few Krishna district Kapu leaders who stood by the late NTR.

The bond between the two was such that many a time NTR described Simhadri as one of his best friend in politics.

Satyanarayana held various portfolios including Endowments, Tax and Excise etc. He is still remembered for his efforts in protecting many old temples.

Satyanarayana represented Avanigadda several times. But after the death of NTR, he developed differences with Chandrababu Naidu and in 2004, was expelled from the TDP for anti-party activities. Sections in the party, who were not reconciled to his straightforward nature, sidelined him. Even after quitting active politics and unmindful of his age, Simhadri continued to serve people by spending money out of his pocket.

The late leader's son, S Chandrasekhar, is a famous oncologist in Hyderabad.

Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu condoled his death and expressed his sympathies with the family members.

In a statement, Lok Satta Party president Jayaprakash Narayan described Simhadri Satyanarayana as an embodiment of integrity and rectitude.

Narayan said that, in contrast to innumerable politicians who minted millions, Simhadri spent his own money on rendering service to the public.

The LSP chief recalled that the Lok Satta Party honored Simhadri on December 9th, 2007 on World Anti Corruption Day, since he stood against corruption and for clean politics.

Narayan conveyed his condolences to the members of Simhadri’s family.

Courtesy: INN