Nalgonda: Thousands of people participated in a rally in Suryapet to pay tribute to their beloved leader and former minister, late Ramreddy Damodar Reddy, as an ambulance carrying his body arrived from Hyderabad on Friday evening.
Congress members gathered at SV College on the outskirts of Suryapet and raised slogans of “Damanna Amar Rahe” when the ambulance reached the venue. The body was then taken to his residence, “Red House,” near the new bus stand in the town, where it was kept for public homage. The funeral rites will be held at Thungathurthy on Saturday.
Crowds also gathered at Choutuppal, Chityal, and Nakrekal to pay their respects as the ambulance briefly halted at these places.
Damodar Reddy, 73, passed away on Wednesday night while undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at AIG Hospital, Hyderabad. Known fondly as “Tiger Dammanna”, he left a strong imprint on the politics of the erstwhile Nalgonda district over four decades.
Born in Patha Lingala, Kamepally mandal, Khammam district, Damodar Reddy’s political career was closely tied to Thungathurthy Assembly constituency, from where he was elected to the undivided Andhra Pradesh Assembly in 1985, 1989, and 2004. In 2009, he was elected MLA from Suryapet constituency, though he lost subsequent elections in 2014, 2018, and 2023. He is survived by his son, Ramireddy Sarvotham Reddy.
He served as minister in the Cabinets of Nedurumalli Janardhana Reddy in 1992 and Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy in 2009. He earned the nickname “Tiger” for his bold leadership in strengthening the Congress in Thungathurthy, often taking on strong Communist rivals of the time.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy described Damodar Reddy’s death as an “irreparable loss” to the Congress and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family. TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud also expressed grief.
Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said Damodar Reddy would live forever in the hearts of the people. “Not only as an elected representative but also as a people’s leader, he worked tirelessly to resolve public issues. Courage, selflessness, and political vision defined his life,” he said.
The mortal remains of Damodar Reddy will be kept at his residence “Red Bhavan” in Suryapet on October 3 for public homage, and the funeral will be conducted at Thungathurthy on October 4.
