Tirupati MP Balli Durga Prasad dies due to Covid-19

New Delhi: In a shocking development, Balli Durga Prasad, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Tirupati and member of YSR Congress passed away due to Coronavirus today.

The lawmaker was 64 years old and had tested positive for Covid-19 few days days ago. He was undergoing undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital, Chennai.

Rao had been a three-term MLA in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and a minister in the Chandrababu Naidu Cabinet in undivided Andhra Pradesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to pay his condolences.

“Saddened by the demise of Lok Sabha MP, Balli Durga Prasad Rao Garu. He was an experienced leader, who made effective contributions towards the progress of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this sad hour,” he said.

Saddened by the demise of Lok Sabha MP, Balli Durga Prasad Rao Garu. He was an experienced leader, who made effective contributions towards the progress of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2020

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Sri YS Jagan Mohan Reddy termed Rao’s demise as a blow to the party.

“The sudden death of Tirupati MP Balli Durgaprasad has come as a shock. He has worked tirelessly in the public service for 4 decades as an MLA, Minister and MP. His death was a desperate blow to the party. I offer my condolences to the family, praying for peace for their souls,” he said.

Cong MP H Vasanthakumar died of Covid too, last month

This is not the first case of a Parliamentarian’s death due to Covid-19. Last month, Congress MP from Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, H Vasanthakumar had expired due to Covid-19.

The 70-year old leader was admitted to Chennai’s Apollo Hospital on August 10 but couldn’t survive and passed away due to Covid complications on August 28.