'A loss to the state': Andhra CM Naidu, politicians grieve Harikrishna's death

The son of TDP founder NT Rama Rao, 61-year-old Harikrishna died in a road accident in Telangana's Nalgonda district early on Wednesday.
'A loss to the state': Andhra CM Naidu, politicians grieve Harikrishna's death
'A loss to the state': Andhra CM Naidu, politicians grieve Harikrishna's death
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Several politicians across the spectrum came together to express their condolences to the family of actor-politician Nandamuri Harikrishna, who died in a road accident in Telangana's Nalgonda district early on Wednesday.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over his demise and said that Harikrishna's passing was an “irreplaceable loss to the family, to the TDP and to the state.”

“As an actor, he found a place in the hearts of the Telugu people and made several contributions to the film industry. He was one of those, who was most liked by NTR. He rode NTR's Chaitanya Ratham (campaign vehicle) himself and took NTR to the people. He was simple and without pride. He has served as an MLA, a Minister and as a Rajya Sabha member. His demise is not just a loss to the party, but to me on a personal level,” Naidu said.

The son of TDP founder NT Rama Rao, 61-year-old Harikrishna sustained critical head injuries when the car which he was driving overturned while overtaking another vehicle near Anneparthi. The vehicle hit the divider and collided with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction.

He was shifted to Kamineni Hospital at Narketpally, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Taking to Twitter, Andhra Minister and Harikrishna's nephew, Nara Lokesh said, "Absolutely devastated over the sudden demise of Sri Nandamuri Harikrishna Garu. His absence will be a deep loss to both family and party."

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also took to Twitter, stating, "Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Harikrishna, former Rajya Sabha MP and son of Late NT Rama Rao, in a road accident. As a popular actor he has entertained the Telugu audience. As a Parliamentarian, he was very upright and expressed his opinions frankly. My condolences to his family, well-wishers and followers at this time of grief."

Leader of Opposition, YS Jaganmohan Reddy, also issued a statement, saying, "Shocked at the sudden demise of Nandamuri Harikrishna. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family members. May his soul rest in peace."

"The sudden death of TDP senior leader and member of Politburo Nandamuri Harikrishna Garu has devastated us all. He will forever be remembered for his fiery speeches, work in the public sphere and immense contribution towards strengthening the party," the official Twitter handle of the Telugu Desam party said.

Speaking to a local Telugu channel, Andhra Deputy CM Krishnamurthy said, "We all heard the news after we all got up in the morning. It is deeply disturbing and we never expected to hear such a thing. He was a long-time associate and words are failing to express how I feel about him. I have immense respect for him and the incident is bringing tears to my eyes. It is a big loss for the TDP and the state."  

In a condolence message, Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ESL Narasimhan, expressed his "deep sense of sorrow on the tragic, untimely and unfortunate demise of former Minister and former Rajya Sabha Member and well known Tollywood Actor, Sri Nandamuri Harikrishna in a car accident today."

Born on September 2, 1956, at Nimmakur in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, Harikrishna, fourth son of NTR, began his film career as a child artist in 1960s.  

He made his debut in 1967 in Shri Krishnavataram featuring his father NTR, who was the most popular actor of his times. 

He had backed Naidu when the latter staged a revolt against NTR in 1995. Following the death of NTR in 1996, he was elected to Andhra Pradesh Assembly from Hindupur, a constituency represented by his legendary father. 

He served as Minister for Transport in Naidu's cabinet and was also the president of youth wing of the TDP. 

In 1999, he quit TDP accusing Naidu of deviation from the ideals of NTR and formed a new party called Anna TDP, which failed to make a mark. In 2006, he rejoined TDP and was elected to Rajya Sabha in 2008. Harkrishna, resigned from Rajya Sabha in 2013 in protest over the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. 

Though he continued as TDP politburo member, Harikrishna had openly expressed his displeasure over Naidu promoting his son Nara Lokesh as his successor.  

Meanwhile, the body is expected to be shifted to the late actor-politician's residence in Hyderabad for people to pay their last respects, once the autopsy is completed. 

Several supporters of the TDP and fans of the actor have started pouring in at the hospital and his residence.  

(With IANS inputs)

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