President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday condoled the passing away of Congress leader Paladugu Venkata Rao.
In a condolence message to his wife, Smt. P. Sushila Devi, the President said, "I am extremely sad to learn about the passing away of your husband, Shri P. Venkata Rao."
"As a senior Congress leader, Minister and member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Council, Shri Rao made valuable contributions for the welfare of the State and its people. In his death, we have lost a leader who was in close touch with the grassroots of society and whose selfless services shall be always remembered," President said.
"Shri Venkata Rao was a close friend and I shall cherish memories of my long association with him," he added.
"I pray to the Almighty to give your family and you the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to all members of your family," he added.
Congress leader and former Andhra Pradesh minister Paladugu Venkata Rao passed away at a hospital in Hyderabad today.
Rao, 75, hailed from Gogulampadu village in Krishna district. He joined the Youth Congress after his college education and got elected as an MLC in 1972.
He served as the Cabinet minister twice in Andhra Pradesh and was elected as MLC in 2007 and 2009.
