Senior politician and senior BJP MLA Baddam Bal Reddy passed away in Hyderabad on Saturday. The 74-year-old who was locally dubbed 'Golconda Simham' (Golconda Lion) by his supporters, had been availing treatment at a hospital due to several medical complications.
“He developed sepsis and renal failure from which he is unable to recover. His age and other illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes contributed to his severity. Presently, he is in multi organ failure with ventilator and haemodialysis support and his condition is very critical,” a bulletin from Care Hospital in Banjara Hills, where he was undergoing treatment, stated.
According to media reports, Reddy had been elected from the Karwan constituency thrice in his career, in 1985, 1989 and 1994, despite the old city of Hyderabad being a stronghold of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). Starting off his political career as an RSS activist, he had even unsuccessfully contested the recent Assembly elections held on December 7, 2018 from Rajendranagar in Hyderabad.
In a condolence message, Telangana BJP President Dr K Laxman recollected that he and Bal Reddy had worked together for many decades adding that his death was a huge blow for the party.
"Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao expressed his condolences on the demise of former MLA Sri Baddam Bal Reddy. The CM conveyed his condolences to the members of bereaved family. The CM commended the services rendered by Bal Reddy in the public life," a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.
Former Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya also condoled Bal Reddy's death. After meeting with his family members at their Banjara Hills residence, Dattatreya said, "While we all mourn with heavy hearts, the demise of Baddam Bal Reddy, I would like to hereby communicate that the BJP BC ATMA GOWRAVA SABHA (BJP BC self-respect meeting) which was scheduled to be held on February 24 stands postponed until further notice. Let's pray for the departed soul and for his bereaved family."
Bal Reddy's mortal remains were shifted to the state BJP office in Hyderabad where several supporters poured in to pay their last respects. The last rites are expected to take place later on Sunday.