NSS Founder, Former MLA Konda Lakshma Reddy Dies

Konda Lakshma Reddy, founder and Managing Editor of News and Services Syndicate (NSS) and former Chevella MLA, passed away today while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad. He was 84.

Born into a family with a strong political legacy, Reddy was the grandson of former Deputy Chief Minister Konda Venkata Ranga Reddy, after whom Ranga Reddy district is named.

A multifaceted personality, Reddy made his mark in both politics and journalism. Entering politics as a Congress candidate, he won the Chevella Assembly seat in 1983 - an impressive feat given the Telugu Desam Party's sweeping victory that year. Though denied a ticket in later Assembly elections, he remained loyal to the Congress and contested the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat in 1999 and 2014. Over the years, he held key positions including Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Sports Council and head of the APCC Grievances Cell.

Beyond politics, he also made an enduring contribution to journalism. As the founder of NSS in 1980, Reddy built a regional news agency that is still in operation. NSS wa known for supporting young reporters and providing multilingual coverage to small and medium newspapers across Telugu States.

NSS became a training ground for aspiring journalists from institutions including Osmania University and Rachana College of Journalism. Many began their careers there before moving on to mainstream media. Despite limited financial resources, NSS provided stipends and a platform for journalistic growth.

Veteran editor P A Ramarao, who joined NSS in 1999, said that Reddy gave complete editorial independence and never let his political affiliations influence the agency's news coverage. "He never said 'no' to a journalist seeking work and never asked anyone to leave unless they got a better opportunity," Ramarao recalled.

Under Reddy's leadership, NSS also became a haven for senior journalists between jobs, and known for its spirit of camaraderie and commitment to ethical reporting.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over Reddy's demise, recalling his immense contributions to both politics and journalism. The Chief Minister lauded his leadership at NSS and the Hyderabad Press Club, and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar praised Reddy for establishing NSS as a training ground for many young journalists. IT & Industries Minister Sridhar Babu described him as a sincere and committed Congress leader whose death was an irreparable loss to the party.

Ministers Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Seethakka and Ponnam Prabhakar also paid tributes, highlighting Lakshma Reddy's service to the Congress and the media. Seethakka said that Reddy upheld his grandfather's legacy with integrity and dedication, and Prabhakar said that he embodied the spirit of public service and democratic values.

Telangana PCC President and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud remembered Reddy as both a devoted Congress leader and a passionate journalist who strengthened media institutions including the Hyderabad Press Club and the Journalists' Cooperative Housing Society.

BJP State President N Ramchander Rao called Reddy's passing a great loss to the Telugu people and the media fraternity, and praised NSS for bridging the gap between the government and the public.