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Visakhapatnam:  Senior TDP leader and former minister of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, Satrucharla Vijaya Rama Raju (78), passed away on Thursday evening while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam.

His mortal remains were shifted to his native village Chinamerangi in Parvathiuram Manyam district. Family members said the last rites will be performed at Chinamerangi on Friday.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu condoled the demise of the senior leader." The passing of senior leader Satrunchala Vijayarama Raju, who served as an MLA, MLC, MP and minister over a long public life spanning four decades, is deeply saddening. His role in the development of North Andhra will be remembered forever. Praying for the peace of Vijayarama Raju’s soul... I convey my heartfelt condolences to his family members," he wrote in a message posted on X. 

Vijaya Rama Raju had a long and distinguished political career in undivided Andhra Pradesh. He served six times as MLA from Srikakulam district, three times as Member of Parliament, twice as Minister, and once as MLC.

Born in 1949 in Chinamerangi village of Vizianagaram district, he completed his post-graduation from Andhra University. He later entered politics in 1978 with the Janata Party. Satrucharla won as MLA once from the Janata Party and four times from the Congress Party. He was elected as MLA four times from the old Naguru constituency and once from the Parvathipuram constituency. He was also elected as MP from the Parvathipuram constituency in 1989 and 1991 and also served as MLC.

Known as an 'Ajatashatru' in Telugu politics, he maintained cordial relations across party lines. Following his death, several leaders and workers from North Andhra recalled his services. Leaders from various political parties paid rich tributes to the leader.

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