Quick Facts
Biography
Kotagiri Vidhyadara Rao (1946 – 20 July 2013) was an Indian politician and a MLA and Minister. He was a five time MLA from West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. He was in the TDP, PRP and last in the Congress. He was an official spokesperson for Andhra Pradesh Congress committee.
Early life
He was born in Thurpu Edavalli village in Eluru, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh.
Career
He began his political career as a village sarpanch. He is a five time MLA from Chintalapudi assembly constituency. He won as an independent MLA in 1983. He joined TDP and became Agriculture Minister in NTR's cabinet in 1994. He was an MLA from 1983 to 2004. He was a minister in N T Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu governments.
He lost the 2004 and 2009 Assembly elections.
He joined Praja Rajyam in 2009 and was political affairs Committee member. He was a key aid to actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi.
Death
He died due to cardiac arrest while getting into a car at his residence on 20 July 2013. He was campaigning for his daughter Anitha, who is running for sarpanch.
Personal life
He was married and has a son Sridhar and daughter Anitha.
Positions held
- Minister for Agriculture (N. T. Rama Rao cabinet)
- Minister for Agriculture (N. Chandrababu Naidu cabinet)
- Minister for Large scale Industries (N. Chandrababu Naidu cabinet)