Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nadendla Bhaskara Rao passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 90. He had been suffering from age-related ailments and breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Continental Hospitals. Born on June 23, 1935, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Bhaskara Rao pursued a law degree from Osmania University before beginning his professional career as a lawyer.
He entered politics in 1978, winning the Vijayawada East Assembly seat on a Congress ticket.
Over the years, he served as a minister in the cabinets of Marri Chenna Reddy and T Anjaiah, handling key portfolios. In 1982, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the Telugu Desam Party led by N. T. Rama Rao. Following the party’s landslide victory in the 1983 Assembly elections, he served as Finance Minister in NTR’s cabinet.
Bhaskara Rao briefly served as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh in 1984, holding office for 31 days from August 16 to September 16—one of the shortest tenures in the state’s history. His term coincided with the political upheaval known as the ‘August Crisis’, a significant episode in the state’s political history. During this period, while NTR was in the United States for heart surgery, Bhaskara Rao assumed office with Congress support but stepped down within a month.
He later rejoined the Congress and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Khammam in 1998. In 2019, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. His son, Nadendla Manohar, remains active in Andhra Pradesh politics.
His mortal remains will be kept at his residence in Jubilee Hills for the public to pay their last respects. The last rites will be held on Thursday at 4 pm at the Hindu crematorium in Punjagutta.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over his demise, recalling Rao’s long political journey as an MLA, minister and Member of Parliament, and highlighting his contributions to public welfare. Former Rajya Sabha member V. Vijayasai Reddy also mourned his passing, remembering his role as Chief Minister and extending condolences to his family.
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