Mortal remains of Cong MLA cremated

Vijayawada, July 9 (UNI) The mortal remains of Congress Legislator Chanumolu Venkata Rao was consigned to flames at his native village of Velagaleru in Krishna District today.

Mr Rao, who represented Mylavaram constituency, passed away after a prolonged illness in Hyderabad yesterday. The body was cremated at his agricultural field with full state honours.

AICC Secretary Iqbal Singh, Rajya Sabha member K V P Ramachandra Rao, Ministers Koneru Ranga Rao, Mandali Buddha Prasad and Pinnamaneni Venkateswara Rao were among others who paid their last respects to the former Minister.

Rao's political career, that spans over five decades, began with his election as Sarpanch of Velagaleru after obtaining law degree from Chennai in 1957. He was elected from Mylavaram Assembly Constituency, till then a stronghold of Left parties, for the first time in 1967 rpt 1967.

He served as Minister of Road and Buildings in the Jalagam Vengal Rao cabinet. He was also the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Deputy Leader in 2004.

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