Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s brother, Nara Ram Murthy Naidu, passed away earlier today after battling health issues for the past few years. His condition deteriorated significantly yesterday, leading to his hospitalization at AIG Hospital, Gachibowli, where he was placed on ventilator support. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his condition despite medical efforts.
The tragic news has prompted Chandrababu Naidu, who was campaigning in Maharashtra for the ongoing elections, to cancel all his engagements and return to Hyderabad immediately. Similarly, Nara Lokesh, attending Assembly sessions in Amaravati, is also en route to Hyderabad to join the family.
Ram Murthy Naidu had a brief but significant political career, serving as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA from Chandragiri between 1994 and 1999. He later switched to the Congress party, leading to political disagreements with Chandrababu Naidu. However, these differences remained limited to the political sphere, with both families maintaining cordial relations over the years.
Despite stepping away from active politics, Ram Murthy Naidu remained a subject of political discourse. Notably, his health issues became a focal point for controversy during the 2019 elections when allegations surfaced that he was mistreated by his family. These claims, made by YSR Congress and bolstered by statements from Narne Srinivasa Rao, Junior NTR’s father-in-law, accused Chandrababu Naidu of neglect. TDP and Nara Rohit strongly refuted these allegations, calling them politically motivated and unethical.
Ram Murthy Naidu's passing comes at a time when the family was preparing for happier occasions, with actor Nara Rohit’s wedding planned for next month. The untimely demise has cast a pall of gloom over the celebrations.
Throughout his life, Ram Murthy Naidu shared a supportive bond with his family, with Chandrababu Naidu standing by Nara Rohit’s film career whenever needed. Despite past political differences, the familial ties were characterized by mutual respect and understanding.
This loss is a significant emotional blow to the family and the larger political fraternity. As tributes pour in, it is a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of familial bonds.