Mudragada Padmanabham Passes Away Marking the End of a Political Era in Andhra Pradesh
Veteran leader Mudragada Padmanabham died after prolonged illness in Hyderabad leaving behind decades of public service political influence and a lasting legacy in the Kapu movement across Andhra Pradesh.
Veteran politician and prominent Kapu movement leader Mudragada Padmanabham passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad. He had been battling cancer along with respiratory ailments for some time. His death has drawn tributes from political leaders supporters and members of the Kapu community across Andhra Pradesh.
Born on January 22 1953 in Kirlampudi of East Godavari district Mudragada built a long and influential political career spanning several decades. He first entered the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1978 after winning from the Peddapadu constituency. He later secured victories in the 1983 and 1985 Assembly elections as a Telugu Desam Party candidate and served as a minister in the cabinet led by NT Rama Rao.
After leaving the Telugu Desam Party he joined the Congress and was inducted into the cabinet of former Chief Minister Marri Chenna Reddy. Throughout his political journey he was elected as an MLA six times and also represented Kakinada in the Lok Sabha after winning the 1999 parliamentary election.
Beyond electoral politics Mudragada Padmanabham earned widespread recognition for leading the Kapu movement and advocating for the rights and welfare of the community. His campaigns made him one of the most influential social and political voices among Kapus in Andhra Pradesh.
Ahead of the previous Assembly elections he joined the YSR Congress Party and made headlines with a public declaration that he would change his name if the party failed to return to power. After the alliance emerged victorious he announced that he would henceforth be known as Mudragada Padmanabha Reddy.
With Mudragada Padmanabham’s passing Andhra Pradesh has lost a senior political figure whose career reflected both electoral success and strong social activism. Leaders from different political parties along with admirers and community organisations have expressed deep sorrow while remembering his contributions to public life.
