Veteran CPI(M) Leader Kunja Bojji No More

Veteran CPI(M) leader Kunja Bojji, who had served as the MLA of the ST-reserved Bhadrachalam constituency three times during his political career, passed away at about nine in the morning today after a prolonged bout of ill health at a private hospital.

The 95-year-old leader had reportedly been suffering from several age-related health problems for the last many months.

Known for his unwavering commitment to the ideals of Communism, Bojji had always led an extremely austere life. He had dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the tribal community in Bhadrachalam and had led many mass movements fighting for the right of the tribal farmers in the region.

He had been elected as the MLA of the constituency in 1985, 1989 and 1994, in undivided Andhra Pradesh, and was loved by the people of the region long after his tenure expired.

The leader truly dedicated himself to the cause of the oppressed and disadvantaged, and inspired firm loyalty in the locals with this unquestionable commitment to them, and to his work as a leader of the masses.

The nonagenarian is survived by his two sons and three daughters.

His body was shifted from the hospital to the CPI(M) office in Bhadrachalam so that people could pay their last respects to their beloved leader. Tributes for him poured in from many quarters, and several senior leaders of the party also paid their respects.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.

He lauded Bojji's lifelong work towards the uplift of the ST community in Bhadrachalam.