Veteran North Andhra Leader Shatrucharla Vijayarama Raju Passes Away

Veteran leader Shatrucharla Vijayarama Raju of North Andhra breathed his last on Thursday afternoon at Apollo Hospital here while undergoing treatment.

A resident of Chinamerangi village falls under Jiyammavalasa mandal in Parvathipuram Manyam district, Shatrucharla Vijayarama Raju was fondly known as 'Tiger of North Andhra' (Uttara Andhra Tiger) and 'Manyam Puli' (Tiger of Highlands/Forest Tracts). He was born on August 4, 1948 and comes from royal family of Chinamerangi estate. He made a mark in the political arena and became a prominent name by transitioning into political career after being a prince.

He entered the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1978 from Naguru constituency. After switching over to Congress, he won elections in 1983 and 1985. Later, he contested Lok Sabha elections in 1989 and 1991 from Parvathipuram constituency on Congress ticket. In 1998, he won Lok Sabha elections for the third time from the same constituency on Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ticket.

He contested elections in 1999 and became MLA from Naguru constituency. In 2004, he contested elections from Parvathipuram constituency and became MLA. He served as Minister of Forests, Environment and Science and Technology in late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy government. Later, he served as Minister of Transport in Chief Minister K. Rosaiah government.

He returned to TDP in 2014 in the presence of chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu. In March 2017, he was elected unopposed as Member of Legislative Council (MLC) from Srikakulam Local Authorities constituency. He served till 2023.

The demise has shocked the entire Chinamerangi, Jiyammavalasa mandal and political circles of North Andhra. The demise also signifies the end of an era. His family members, relatives and followers are stunned with grief.