Former Minister Jakkampudi is dead

RAJAHMUNDRY (EG): Former minister and YSR Congress leader Jakkampudi Rammohan Rao (58) died at Bollineni Hospital here on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He is survived by wife Vijayalakshmi, two sons and a daughter.Rao, who had been suffering from diabetic neuropathy since 2007, took treatment at several places in India and even in the USA but in vain.He was a staunch supporter of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy and stood by him until his last breath. He joined the YSR Congress floated by YS Jaganmohan Reddy last year.Jakkampudi was elected to the Assembly from Kadiyam on Congress ticket in the 1989, 1999 and 2004 elections and tasted defeat once in 1994.In the 2009 elections the party fielded his wife Vijayalakshmi in view of his failing health.Rammohan Rao became minister for the first time on May 26, 2004, and held roads & buildings and also excise portfolios in the YS Rajasekhara Reddy cabinets.Rammohan Rao served as East Godavari DCC president for nine years from 2001 and strengthened the party in the district.Born on August 6, 1953 to Sitaratnam and Peda Veeraiah at Adurru village in Razole mandal, he had primary education at Tatipaka village, high school education at Danavaipeta municipal school and collegiate education at VT College here.