Telangana Congress Leader Ramreddy Damodar Reddy Dies at 73
In a day of profound sorrow for Telangana’s political landscape, veteran Congress leader Ramreddy Damodar Reddy passed away at the age of 73 after battling a kidney ailment. He died in a private hospital in Hyderabad on Wednesday night, following a period of deteriorating health. Earlier, he had received treatment at his residence in Tungaturti, Suryapet district, and was moved to a city hospital about a week ago as his condition worsened.
Damodar Reddy’s death marks the loss of a seasoned legislator who remained a fixture in Telangana politics for decades, earning trust across different generations of voters. His family announced that his funeral would be held on the 4th of this month at Tungaturti, with his mortal remains to be taken to his residence in Hyderabad on the 3rd for final tributes before the last rites.
A life dedicated to public service
Born on September 14, 1952, in Patalingala, Khammam district, Ramreddy Damodar Reddy hailed from a family rooted in public life and agriculture. He began his political journey from the Tungaturti Assembly segment, where he went on to win four times between 1985 and 2009. His electoral record includes victories in 1988 and 1989 on a Congress ticket, a 1994 win as an independent after Congress did not offer him a ticket, a 2004 triumph against a TD candidate, and a 2009 move to the Suryapet constituency where he won as a Congress candidate. In 2009 he shifted to Suryapet and was part of the government in the cabinet of late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy as the IT minister, a portfolio through which he oversaw technology and related development initiatives for a time.
Damodar Reddy’s career reflects a blend of loyalty to his voters and readiness to adapt to changing political tides. He faced defeats too—most notably in 1999 when he lost to a Telugu Desam Party candidate—yet he remained a prominent voice for development in the region, championing issues from irrigation to rural infrastructure.
Advocacy for irrigation and Ram Sagar waters
One of Damodar Reddy’s defining pursuits was his sustained effort to bring the Ram Sagar waters to the unified Nalgonda district. His work on this front symbolized his broader commitment to agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of farmers who depended on canal irrigation and reliable water resources. Even as political shifts occurred, he continued to advocate for projects that would secure water for communities and support rural economies.
Reactions, funeral arrangements, and legacy
News of his passing elicited condolences from across Telangana’s political spectrum. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that he was deeply saddened by the loss of a senior leader who had dedicated decades to public service and community welfare. Telangana Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud, Deputy Chief Minister B. Vikramarka, and several other ministers joined in expressing their heartfelt condolences, underscoring Damodar Reddy’s role as a long-standing pillar of the party and a voice for farmers and workers alike.
The family has announced that the mortal remains will be moved from Hyderabad’s Banjarah Hills to their Tungaturti residence on October 3. The funeral is expected to take place in Tungaturti on October 4, with public processions and visits planned for mourners and supporters in the days ahead. In remembering his public service, many describe him as a leader whose work bridged rural realities with the corridors of power, and whose absence will be felt across the region.
Damodar Reddy’s enduring legacy lies in his relentless focus on development and his commitment to the people who stood by him through good times and bad. As Telangana mourns, his contributions to irrigation, infrastructure, and regional governance remain a benchmark for future leaders to follow.
