Congress stalwart Rosaiah dies at 88

Hyderabad: Konijeti Rosaiah, who passed away after a brief illness on Saturday morning, was a low-profile ‘peddayana (elder statesman) with a long political career that began under the tutelage of Swatantra Party leader NG Ranga. He had the privilege of working with leaders who sacrificed everything else in pursuit of the freedom struggle.

Rosaiah died while being taken to a private hospital in Hyderabad after he fell ill this morning, party sources said. He was at the age of 88.

He also served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu from August 31, 2011 to August 30, 2016.

Rosaiah’s political journey began in 1968 as an MLC. He served as Chief Minister of the Andhra Pradesh from September 3 after the demise of YS Rajasekhar Reddy till November 25.

Although not media savvy and flamboyant, it was said of Rosaiah that he was anything but boring. He was, admittedly, not of the socialising kind. Factionalism too was not his cup of tea.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao expressed sympathies over the death of Rosaiah, an official release said.

Rao recalled Rosaiah as the leader who brought laurels to the posts he held and is known for his patience, gentleness and simplicity.

The CM has conveyed his condolences to members of the bereaved family. Several Congress leaders, including TPCC Chief Revanth Reddy, expressed condolences. Reddy said Rosaiah has the record of tabling state budget for 15 times as Finance Minister of the undivided -(AP, Agencies)