Ex-MLA Narasimha Raju dead

Bhimavaram: Senior Telugu Desam Party leader, a political heavy weight and former legislator P V Narasimha Raju (75) died in his residence here on Tuesday morning after suffering a fall while emerging out of the bathroom. He had represented the Bhimavaram constituency in the State Assembly four times, after standing in six contests. Known for his straight-forward nature and honesty, he continued in the TDP after joining since its inception. He spent Rs.250 crore out of the constituency development fund for giving a facelift to the town. Several Telugu Desam leaders, including Yerra Narayanaswamy, Thota Seetarama Lakshmi, have described Raju's death as an irreparable loss to the party. His funeral will take place here on Wednesday.