HIGHLIGHTS
• Mr Rao, 72, was one of the senior-most leaders of the TDP
• Mr Rao became Speaker in 2014 after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh
• A six-time MLA, he won from Narsaraopet 5 times and Sattenapalli in 2014
HYDERABAD: Former Andhra Pradesh assembly Speaker Kodela Siva Prasad Rao has committed suicide at his home in Hyderabad, the police said today. Mr Rao, 72, was one of the senior-most leaders of the opposition Telugu Desam Party in the state.
He was taken to Basavatarakam Hospital - which he had set up with actor-politician Balakrishna - where doctors confirmed his death.
Mr Rao became Speaker in 2014 after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to create Telangana. The six-time MLA - he won from Narsaraopet five times and Sattenapalli in 2014 - has also served as the home minister and the panchayat raj minister.
Mr Rao joined the TDP in 1983. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Mr Rao, who was born in a farmer's family, went on to become a doctor after graduating from Guntur Medical College.
BJP chief spokesperson, K Krishna Saagar Rao, in a statement said, "Shocked to know that former minister, former AP speaker Shri Kodela Siva Prasad has committed suicide. I extend heartfelt condolences on the unfortunate demise of this senior politician. May his soul rest in peace."