Telangana is deeply saddened by the passing of veteran Congress leader and former Minister Ramreddy Damodar Reddy, who left us at the age of 73. He passed away late Wednesday night, October 1, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital. His final rites are scheduled for October 5 in Thungathurthy, located in Suryapet district.
Mr. Damodar Reddy was a formidable presence in the political arena, having served as a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) an impressive five times. Hailing from the influential Nalgonda district, he consistently represented the Thungathurthy constituency four times. Following delimitation, he successfully contested from the neighboring Suryapet Assembly seat once.
His journey as an MLA began in 1985 when he secured a victory on a Congress ticket from Thungathurthy. He continued his winning streak in the same constituency in 1989, 1999, and 2004. In 2009, he moved to Suryapet and emerged victorious there.
In 2004, Mr. Damodar Reddy joined the Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Cabinet, taking on the role of Information Technology Minister. However, a cabinet reshuffle in 2009 saw his elder brother, Ramreddy Venkat Reddy, appointed to a ministerial position instead.
Beyond his roles in government, Mr. Damodar Reddy was a passionate advocate for Statehood. He consistently raised his voice, championing the cause of a separate Telangana State with unwavering conviction.
After the formation of Telangana, he continued his commitment to public service by contesting the Assembly elections from Suryapet constituency in 2014, 2018, and 2023. Despite his enduring dedication, he was unable to secure a win in these elections, losing to Bharat Rashtra Samiti candidate G. Jagadish Reddy.
Tributes Pour in for the Departed Leader
News of his demise prompted an outpouring of condolences from political figures across the spectrum. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy led the tributes from Congress leaders, expressing profound sorrow at the loss. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, alongside several Cabinet Ministers and other Congress functionaries, also conveyed their condolences. Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar and his wife N. Padmavathi, who represents Kodad as an MLA, personally paid their respects to Mr. Damodar Reddy’s body at the private hospital.