MLN MURTHY I BHUPALAPALLI

Today marks the 88th birth anniversary of Duddilla Sripada Rao, a leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of the people and paid the ultimate price for his unwavering commitment. The Telangana government has officially recognized his contributions by celebrating his birth anniversary—a rare honor that underscores his lasting influence.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 2, 1935, in Dhanwada village of Kataram mandal, Sripada Rao hailed from a humble family. His parents, Radhakishtaiah and Kamalabai, instilled in him values of perseverance and service. Though he was born in Nagpur, where his grandmother lived, he completed his primary education in his native village before pursuing higher studies in Manthani. He later moved to Hyderabad for his intermediate and B.Sc. education.

A firm believer in education, Sripada Rao joined government service as a Panchayat Inspector in Adilabad. However, his thirst for knowledge and justice led him to take a long-term leave to study law. He completed his L.L.B. from Nagpur and started practicing as a lawyer. But fate had different plans for him—his father’s demise brought him back to his roots, where he took up farming. This return to his village marked the beginning of his political journey.

Political Journey: Rising from the Grassroots

Sripada Rao’s leadership qualities became evident when his fellow villagers encouraged him to contest the local body elections. He was unanimously elected as the Sarpanch of Dhanwada and went on to serve three consecutive terms unopposed. His dedication to development also led to his election as the President of Mahadevpur Samiti and Chairman of LMB Bank. These roles expanded his influence beyond his village, making him a well-known figure in the entire Manthani constituency.

Unlike many leaders who distanced themselves from the masses after assuming office, Sripada Rao remained close to the people. His ability to connect with common citizens and address their grievances won him immense respect, setting him apart as a true people’s leader.

Legislative Career and Speaker of the Assembly

Sripada Rao’s rise in state politics was backed by none other than P.V. Narasimha Rao, who saw immense potential in him. When P.V. shifted to national politics, Sripada Rao was given the Congress ticket for Manthani in 1983. The election was a tough battle, especially with the emergence of the Telugu Desam Party under N.T. Rama Rao. Despite this, Sripada Rao triumphed, marking the beginning of his illustrious legislative career.

Winning three consecutive terms as an MLA, he served as a minister and later as the Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. His tenure as Speaker was marked by fairness and dignity, earning praise even from the opposition. N.T. Rama Rao, the then leader of the opposition, supported Sripada Rao’s appointment, recognizing his integrity. Many political analysts credited him with bringing a new stature to the Speaker’s office.

Even while holding a constitutional post, Sripada Rao never lost touch with his constituency. He prioritized development and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of Manthani. However, his tenure coincided with the growing influence of the People’s War Group (now Maoists) in the region, leading to speculation and criticism regarding his alleged cooperation with them.

A Tragic End: The Assassination That Shook the State

By the 1990s, the People’s War Group had established a stronghold in the forests of Telangana. The conflict between the state and the Naxals escalated, with police intensifying operations against them. In this volatile atmosphere, Sripada Rao, despite being accused of ties with the Naxals, was targeted by the same group.

After losing the 1994 elections under unexpected circumstances, he remained actively involved in public service. He refused to engage in blame games or criticize the ruling party, earning even greater admiration from the people.

On April 13, 1999, tragedy struck. While traveling through Mahadevpur mandal, Sripada Rao’s vehicle was intercepted by Naxals. They took him deep into the forest, claiming they wanted to speak to him. Moments later, he was shot dead at point-blank range with a rifle. The assassination sent shockwaves across the state. Leaders from all political parties condemned the brutal killing, and massive protests erupted against the Naxals.

His funeral was attended by lakhs of mourners, with chants of "Johar Sripada" echoing through the air. The then Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, personally visited to pay his respects. The people of Manthani, who had revered him as their own, mourned the loss of a leader who had never wronged anyone.

A Legacy That Endures

Even 26 years after his assassination, Sripada Rao’s name continues to inspire. His leadership, simplicity, and unwavering service to the people have cemented his place in history. The Telangana government’s decision to officially honor his birth anniversary reflects the deep respect he commands.

Sripada Rao was not just a politician; he was a statesman, a leader who truly belonged to the people. His life serves as a testament to the power of integrity in politics and the sacrifices made by those who dare to serve.