Senior Communist Leader Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy Passes Away at 83

Hyderabad:Senior Communist leader and former MP Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy passed away late on Friday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city. He was 83.

A stalwart of the Communist Party of India (CPI), he served as the party’s general secretary from 2012 to 2019 and was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to workers’ rights and social justice.

Born in Kondravupalli of Mahbubnagar district, Reddy’s political journey began as a student activist in Kurnool. His steady rise through the ranks of the CPI reflected his deep involvement in grassroots struggles and his dedication to the leftist movement.

Sudhakar Reddy was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Nalgonda constituency, first in 1998 and again in 2004. As MP, he chaired the parliamentary committee on Labour, where he fought for social security benefits, better working conditions for workers, and educational facilities for children of labourers.

Throughout his political career, Sudhakar Reddy emerged as a passionate advocate for the marginalised and an articulate voice for the working class. His leadership at the national level gave the CPI a firm footing during challenging times, and his contributions left an enduring mark on leftist politics in Telangana and India.

The news of his demise evoked widespread grief across the political spectrum. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over Sudhakar Reddy’s passing, recalling his contributions to people’s movements and democratic struggles. He described the Communist leader as a towering leader who rose from Nalgonda to the national stage, participating in several popular agitations and strengthening the CPI. The Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka also paid rich tributes, recalling Sudhakar Reddy’s journey from a remote village to national leadership in the CPI. He said the veteran leader was involved in numerous people’s struggles and mass movements, leaving behind a legacy of service to society.

BRS president K. Chandrashekar Rao described Sudhakar Reddy as a “son of Telangana soil” who dedicated his life to the uplift of oppressed communities. He recalled his association with the veteran leader during the Telangana movement and lauded him as a Marxist people’s leader who earned respect nationwide.

CPI leader K. Narayana expressed his grief, stating in a post that he was shocked to learn about the death of his long-time colleague.

Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy termed Sudhakar Reddy a committed leader who left his indelible mark on national politics. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and wished eternal peace to the departed leader.

With his passing, India has lost a veteran parliamentarian, an uncompromising Communist, and a dedicated advocate of social justice, he said.