Balli Durga Prasad Rao was a minister in the Chandrababu Naidu cabinet in undivided Andhra Pradesh. (Proceedings)
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:
Tirupati MP Lok Sabha Balli Durga Prasad Rao, who was in treatment for COVID-19, died at a hospital in Chennai on Wednesday, family members said.
The 65-year-old YSR congressional ruling deputy was admitted to hospital in Chennai, about 140 kilometers from here, three weeks ago after he tested positive for the coronavirus, they said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy were among those who condemned the death of the first deputy from the secretive Tirupati (SC) electoral district.
Three times a member of justice and a former minister of state, he is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
A lawyer, Mr. Rao began his political career as a member of the TDP and first became an MLA in 1985. He joined the YSRC prior to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
“Saddened by the passing of Lok Sabha MP, Balli Durga Prasad Rao Garu. He was an experienced leader, who made effective contributions to the progress of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” he tweeted PM Modi.
Jagan Reddy expressed his deep sorrow at the disappearance of the MP. “Loss for the party. She fought for the welfare of the people as the MLA, minister and deputy,” she said in a message.
Andhra Pradesh Senior Deputy Minister K Narayana Swamy, Mekapati Industries Minister Goutham Reddy and several MLA members from the Chittoor district, in which Tirupati is located, expressed their shock and condolences at Rao’s death.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board Chairman YV Subba Reddy also mourned the MP’s death, according to a statement.
Mr. Rao was Minister of School Education in the Cabinet of Chandrababu Naidu in undivided Andhra Pradesh during 1995-96. He was elected a member of the Gudur state assembly in the Nellore district in 1985, 1994 and 2009.
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