Rajahmundry: Former Andhra Pradesh minister Jakkampudi Ramamohan Rao on Sunday passed away at a corporate hospitals here, family sources said.
Rao was rushed to the hospital in the morning after he complained of pains in throat by his family members.
58-year-old Rao was suffering from diabetic neuropathy for the last four years.
A staunch supporter of late chief minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy, Rao had actively launched a campaign against TDP when NT Rama Rao was chief minister of the state. Rao, who was elected to Andhra Pradesh legislative Assembly thrice from Kadiaym constituency in 1989, 1999 and 2004 respectively, played a vital role in a `padyatra` organised by the late chief minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy which catapulted Congress to power.
An agriculturist by profession, Rao was born in Adduru village in Mammidikuduru Mandal of East Godavari district.
He had served as Roads and Building Minister in YS Rajasekhar Reddy Cabinet in 2004.
Rao was Known for his organisational skills which ensured Congress bagging 18 out of 21 Assembly seats in the East Godavari district in last election.
He, however, later defected Congress to join YSR Congress Party floated by Kadapa MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy, son of Rajsekhar Reddy. His wife Vijayalakshmi was expelled by the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) from the party for contesting against an official candidate in the local bodies election.
Rao is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter.
Known for his political acumen, Rao was deep-rooted in understanding the caste-based equations and how they weigh in winning elections.
Several leaders and state ministers condoled the death of the former excise minister.
Prominent among them is the State Stamps and Registration Minister Thota Narasimham. He said in his condolence message that "Rao was like a bridge between the government and people who built a good relationship with the government and people of East Godavari district. Rao`s death is an irreparable loss to the district and his services will be remembered by the people, it said.
Tourism Minister V Vasanth Kumar reminisced about his acquaintance with Rao and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members.
Animal Husbandry Minister P Viswaroop recalled Rao`s services to the district saying "we lost a close friend. Rao has close relationship with Konaseema area. He worked hard for upliftment of poor sections".
According to family members, Rao`s funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon.
The YSR Congress chief and Kadapa MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy is attending the funeral.
Several Cabinet ministers, including Thota Narasimhamam, P Viswaroop, have already reached here and paid their last respect to the departed leader. The police have made elaborate arrangements for the last rites.
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members of Rao.
Besides Reddy, state Congress president B Satyanarayana and Kadapa MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy also expressed grief over Rao`s death.
As a mark of respect to Rao, all business establishments and institutions here will remain closed tomorrow.
PTI