Vanama the oldest, Haripriya the youngest take oath as MLAs

Bhadradri-Kothagudem: The newly-elected MLAs from Bhadradri-Kothagudem, Vanama Venkateswara Rao and B Haripriya, have a special identity in the State Assembly. While the veteran Vanama Venkateswara Rao of Kothagudem constituency is the eldest among all the MLAs, Banoth Haripriya of Yellendu constituency is the youngest among the legislators.

Seventy three-year-old Venkateswara Rao, who entered into the House for the fourth time as MLA, has 48 years of political life. He was elected as MLA from Kothagudem for the first time in 1989. He later represented the constituency in 1999 and 2004, besides serving as a minister in the cabinet of former Chief Minister late YS Rajashekhara Reddy in 2008.

Venkateswara Rao also served as the Chairman of APSRTC Warangal zone in 1993. Speaking after swearing-in as the MLA on Thursday, he said, “I am very happy to become MLA for the fourth time.” He thanked the voters for electing him and said he would make every effort to be available to them to address their issues. “With the help of officials and district leaders, I am planning to develop Kothagudem as a model constituency,” Venkateswara Rao said.

The first-time MLA Banoth Haripirya, 29, is equally elated. “I am very glad to represent Yellandu in the State Assembly,” she said, adding “When I was in the election contest I didn’t expect that I would be the youngest MLA in the House, this recognition is something special for me.” She said she would focus on four main issues, podu land problem, steel factory, bus depot and railway station for Yellandu.