Socialist leader Appa Rao passes away

Chennai, Sep 1 (UNI) Veteran Socialist leader M S Appa Rao died at Apollo Hospital here this evening.

He was earlier admitted to the hospital following illness.

He was 83 and is survived by his wife, four daughters and a son.

A lawyer by profession, he held various posts during his life.

He was the Director of Orient Longman, Director of HPF and Founder trusty of MIDS.

Born on April 11, 1923 in a zamandari family from Nuzvidu, Andhra, ''M S'' as he was affectionately known, chose to fight for freedom during the Quit India movement and later became an active member of the Socialist Party. A close associate of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, M S was actively involved in building ''new India'' after independence.

During Emergency in 1975, he was imprisoned in Bangalore Central jail along with Madhu Limaye, Madhu Dandavate, Advani, Ramakrishna Hegde and Snehalata Reddy.

As a member of the Janata Party, he was instrumental in bringing together a group of people from diverse political streams and keeping a political debate and dialogue alive.

The funeral will be held tommorrow, family sources said.

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