Ex-Governor Rama Rao passes away

Sikkim former Governor and senior BJP leader V. Rama Rao passed away here on Sunday. He was 80.

Rama Rao was admitted to Apollo Hospitals at Jubilee Hills following deterioration of his health condition. He died late on Sunday evening. He is survived by his wife Vasantha Kumari and son Srinivas and Rama Rao.

He began his political career from Jana Sangh in 1956 and later became the member of National Executive till it was changed to BJP. He had served as state BJP president for two consecutive terms from 1993 to 2001 and as party National Vice President between 2002 and 2007. He had served as the Governor of Sikkim from 2002 to 2005.

Rama Rao was elected to Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Council from Hyderabad Graduates’ Constituency for four consecutive times in 1966, 1972, 1978 and 1984. He served as a party’s Floor Leader in council during his last term. He also served as a senate member of Osmania University.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatraya, State BJP president G. Kishan Reddy and leaders of other political parties have expressed their condolence over Rama Rao’s demise. (INN)