Telangana bids tearful adieu to Nayani

The mortal remains of Telangana’s first Home Minister Nayani Narsimha Reddy were consigned to flames at Mahaprasthanam crematorium here with State honours on Thursday.

A large crowd, including many Ministers and wellwishers, accompanied his body to the cremation ground while hundreds more converged there to witness to the last rites.

Earlier, Nayani’s final voyage began from Road number 12 at Banjara Hills and passed through Film Nagar. Ministers K T Rama Rao and V Srinivas Goud were among the pall bearers from the entrance of the cremation ground to the pyre. Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy, Ministers Eatala Rajender, Mahmood Ali, Sabitha Indra Reddy, TRS Parliamentary Party Leaders K Keshav Rao, Mayor Bonthu Rammohan were among others who were present at the funeral.

Despite her illness, Nayani’s wife Ahalya Reddy, was present at the funeral. She was taken to the funeral in a wheelchair. Nayani’s son Devender Reddy lit the pyre as the police fired three shots in the air as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

Nayini Narasimha Reddy, (86), passed away at a private hospital following prolonged illness, here late Wednesday night. He suffered from



pneumonia and other health complications after recovering from Covid-19 about three weeks ago. He was admitted to a private hospital after his health deteriorated and his condition remained critical at the hospital where he remained on a ventilator and also underwent dialysis.

Governor, Chief Minister and the entire State Cabinet remembered the role played by State’s first Home Minister Nayani Narsimha Reddy during the fight for statehood and after. He was described as a fighter and a down to earth person who always fought for the welfare of the downtrodden and the working class.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao expressed shock over the death of the former Minister. He recalled his association with Nayani during the Telangana movement and in the State government. He conveyed his condolences to members of the bereaved family. He instructed the Chief Secretary to arrange for the last rites of the departed leader with official honours.

Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, in her tweet, recalled Nayani’s services to the State as Home Minister and described him as a leader who fought for the betterment of the State till his last breath. “Telangana lost a great leader,” she said.