Former MLC Ilapuram Venkaiah passes away at 96

Vijayawada: Former MLC and Backward Classes (BC) leader Ilapuram Venkaiah passed away on Sunday at the age of 96. He breathed his last at 11 am at his residence in Vijayawada due to age-related ailments.Venkaiah was active in political and social circles for several decades and was associated with issues concerning Backward Classes communities. During his public life, he raised concerns related to BC welfare and community development in undivided Andhra Pradesh and later in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.Following news of his death, political leaders and associates expressed condolences. Several families and supporters across the 2 Telugu states mourned his passing.He is survived by his eldest son, former Information Commissioner Ilapuram Raja, and 3 other children.Chief minister CVhandrababu Naidu expressed shock over Venkaiah's demise. In a statement, the Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and expressed sympathy over the loss.