Congress Leader Ramreddy Damodar Reddy Dies: A Telangana Political Icon Passes Away
Telangana woke to heartbreaking news as Congress veteran and former minister Ramreddy Damodar Reddy died at the age of 73 in a Hyderabad hospital after a battle with kidney disease. The senior leader, known for his long-standing commitment to public service and regional development, breathed his last on a Wednesday night, following weeks of deteriorating health.
Damodar Reddy’s political journey spanned five successful terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, during which he represented Tugaturthi and later the Suryapet constituency. His career was marked by a blend of grassroots connect and administrative responsibility, including a tenure as IT Minister in the cabinet of Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. His work extended beyond electoral battles; he was a vocal advocate for the development and welfare of the unified Nalgonda district, and a persistent supporter of irrigation projects that would later shape the region’s agricultural landscape.
A Life Dedicated to Public Service
Born on September 14, 1952, in Patalingal, in what was then Khammam district, Damodar Reddy hailed from a family deeply rooted in public life. He emerged as a political force from the Tugaturthi assembly segment, securing victories across the late 1980s through the 2000s. His persistent efforts helped him win four times from Tugaturthi between 1985 and 2009, with a broader entry into Suryapet in 2009, where he continued to influence state policy as an elected representative.
Throughout his five terms as an MLA, Damodar Reddy earned respect for his accessible style and a hands-on approach to the issues facing farmers and smallholders. He had a notable interest in agriculture and frequently highlighted the importance of rural development and infrastructure, aligning his work with the needs of his constituents in a rapidly changing Telangana.
Ministerial Role and Key Contributions
In 2009, he moved into the state cabinet as the IT Minister under Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, guiding policy at a time when Telangana’s tech ambitions were starting to take shape. While in office, he balanced governance with a focus on regional growth, including efforts to modernize administration and harness technology for public service delivery. After 2014, his electoral fortunes shifted, and he faced defeats in subsequent elections, yet his earlier contributions left a lasting imprint on the state’s political and development outlook.
Advocacy for Ram Sagar Project and Regional Development
One of Damodar Reddy’s defining legacies was his advocacy for bringing the Sir Ram Sagar Reservoir waters to the unified Nalgonda region. His relentless efforts underscored how irrigation and water resources could drive agricultural productivity and rural prosperity. This work reflected his broader vision for balanced development across Telangana, pairing infrastructure with livelihood support for farmers and communities that had long depended on reliable water supplies.
Funeral Arrangements and Public Tributes
Family sources announced that the mortal remains would be moved to his residence in Banjarahills, Hyderabad, on the 3rd of October. After public tributes in Hyderabad, his body would be transported to Tungaturti for burial, with cremation scheduled for October 4. Party workers and supporters are expected to gather to pay their respects as a mark of the enduring influence he wielded across the region.
Reactions from Leaders and Party Colleagues
News of his passing prompted widespread condolences from across the political spectrum. The Telangana Congress leadership, including the party president, expressed deep sorrow at his loss. Chief Minister evinced profound grief, highlighting that a five-term legislator who strived tirelessly for his district’s development and the welfare of the people would be keenly missed. Other senior ministers and figures, including Deputy Chief Minister and several cabinet colleagues, also conveyed their sincere condolences, noting the void his absence leaves in public life and the party’s ranks.
A Life Remembered: Service, Farming, and a Legacy for Telangana
Damodar Reddy’s career was marked by a rare blend of governance, rural engagement, and agricultural focus. He remained a public servant who often stood with farmers, championing irrigation, farming communities, and local infrastructure. Though his electoral journey had its ups and downs, his commitment to public life—rooted in his constituency work and state-level contributions—remains a part of Telangana’s political memory. His passing marks the end of an era for a leader who believed that development begins with accessible governance and direct service to the people.
Note on Funeral and Arrangements
The family has requested privacy for the early hours of the wake, with public tributes scheduled at the late leader’s residence prior to the funeral process at Tungaturti. Details will be shared by the party and family as they are confirmed.
