Former Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, P Upendra, one-time close associate of former Chief Minister, N. T. Rama Rao passed away after protracted illness at a city hospital in Hyderabad on Monday evening.
He was on dialysis for the past five years following a kidney ailment. His condition deteriorated a week ago and the end came on Monday due to ‘multiple organ failure’.
He was 73 and is survived by wife, three sons and a daughter who is married to Congress MP, Lagadapati Rajagopal.
Mr. Parvathaneni Upendra started as an aide to the then Railway Minister Madhu Dandavate when Janata government was in rule at the Centre. He later joined the Telugu Desam and played a key role in its growth as general secretary. His contacts with political leaders in New Delhi helped NTR gain national importance leading to the formation of National Front.
In 1990, when Upendra became the Union I & B Minister, he was instrumental in introducing Prasar Bharati Bill. The same year, he fell out with TDP, and joined Congress and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Vijayawada. He was out of politics for a long time and he joined Praja Rajyam Party of Actor Chiranjeevi before the last general elections in May.
Born in Pothunuru in East Godavari district, Upendra had his schooling there. He did his graduation in Visakhapatnam.
Upendra authored a book titled ‘Gatam Swagatham’, chronicling his stint in politics.
- Asian Tribune -
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