HYDERABAD: Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, the former Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh and a veteran political figure, passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad. He was 90 years old.
Rao had been receiving medical care at Continental Hospital for the past month due to age-related health issues. His family confirmed that he breathed his last on Wednesday afternoon.
A Legacy in Telugu Politics
Nadendla Bhaskara Rao was a pivotal figure in the political history of the Telugu states. Originally a lawyer by profession, he entered the political arena in the 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks.
- 1984 Chief Ministership: He is most famously remembered for his brief but controversial one-month tenure as the Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh in 1984.
- Political Career: He was first elected as an MLA in 1978 from the Congress party. He later played a key role in the founding of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alongside N.T. Rama Rao (NTR).
- Ministerial Experience: He served as a minister under multiple Chief Ministers, including NTR, Marri Chenna Reddy, and T. Anjaiah.
Political Leaders Pay Tribute
Following the news of his death on April 22, 2026, leaders from across the political spectrum expressed their deep condolences, reflecting on his long-standing career in public service.
- CM Chandrababu Naidu: The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister expressed his deep sorrow, stating that Rao’s contribution to public life was significant. He reached out to Rao’s son, current AP Minister Nadendla Manohar, to offer his sympathies.
- YSRCP Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy: Former CM and YSRCP President Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed his grief over the veteran leader’s passing, acknowledging his decades of service to the state.
- Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan: Kalyan lauded Rao’s vast legal and political knowledge, noting that his experience was invaluable. “I pray for his soul to rest in peace and wish strength to Minister Nadendla Manohar and his family,” he said in a statement.
Final Rites
The family has announced that the final rites will be performed on Thursday at the Panjagutta crematorium in Hyderabad.
Nadendla Bhaskara Rao is survived by his son, Nadendla Manohar, who is currently a Cabinet Minister in the Andhra Pradesh government