Tribute to a Veteran Congress Leader
The political landscape of Telangana is solemn today as the Congress party confirms the passing of Ramreddy Damodar Reddy, a veteran leader who served as an eight-term legislator across different capacities. He died at the age of 73 after battling a kidney ailment in a private hospital in Hyderabad. His death marks the loss of a figure who fought for regional development and, above all, the welfare of farmers and families in the unified districts he represented.
A Life in Public Service: Early Years and Political Rise
Born on September 14, 1952, in Patalingala, Khammam district, Ramreddy Damodar Reddy began his journey from local politics and rose to become a trusted voice in the Tungaturti assembly constituency. He was elected as MLA from Tungaturti multiple times between 1985 and 2009, securing a series of victories that solidified his standing as a reliable representative of his constituents. His early career saw him winning in the late 1980s as a Congress candidate, and even when the party didn’t grant a ticket in 1994, he secured the mandate as an independent, underscoring his personal appeal and commitment to his people.
From Tungaturti to Suryapet: A Part of the Cabinet
In 2009, Ramreddy Damodar Reddy shifted to the Suryapet constituency and joined the ministerial ranks in the Telangana region as the IT minister in the cabinet led by then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. He carried the IT portfolio with a focus on leveraging technology for governance while continuing to advocate for agricultural and rural development. Though he faced electoral defeats in 2014, 2018, and 2023, his prior years in government left an imprint on the region’s developmental trajectory.
Advocate for Sri Ram Sagar Project and Regional Development
One of his defining public efforts was his persistent advocacy for the Sri Ram Sagar project, aimed at bringing irrigation waters to the unified Nalgonda district. This long-fought campaign reflected his belief in linking water resources to rural prosperity, supporting farmers and ensuring a more stable agricultural economy in his homeland. His colleagues recall that he was a person who prioritized farming and rural issues, often engaging with farmers directly to understand and address their concerns.
Reactions from Leaders and Public Condolences
News of his passing elicited tributes from across the political spectrum. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep grief, noting that the veteran leader had remained a constant presence in public life and in district development work. TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, Deputy Chief Minister Batti Vikramarka, and several ministers—Pongulati Srinivas Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, and Tummala Nageswara Rao—also conveyed their condolences, highlighting the gap his absence would create within the Congress and the broader Telangana political community.
Funeral Arrangements and Family Statements
Family members announced that the mortal remains would be moved to his Tungaturti residence on October 3, ahead of the funeral, scheduled for October 4 in Tungaturti. The family has asked party workers and the public to pay their respects, with contingents expected to accompany the body to Suryapet for public farewell rituals as well. The family’s message underscored his lifelong commitment to public service and his role as a farmer-friendly leader who valued outreach to his supporters and the common people.
Legacy: A Long Career of Service and Public Hope
Ramreddy Damodar Reddy’s 35-year political journey—marked by multiple electoral victories, ministerial responsibilities, and a steadfast focus on rural development—leaves a layered legacy. He is remembered not only for his legislative tenure and administration but for his tireless advocacy for irrigation and agricultural advancement. As Telangana absorbs the loss of a longtime Congress figure, his work remains a touchstone for many who continue to navigate the complexities of regional politics with a view toward inclusive growth.
