Vijayawada : Longest serving sarpanch Mallela passes away

Vijayawada: TDP senior leader and former sarpanch of Ibrahimpatnam, Mallela Padmanabha Rao,91, died due to illness at his residence at Ibrahimpatnam in Krishna district on Wednesday.

He was survived by wife, six daughters and one son. Mallela is well known in the district for being the longest serving sarpanch in the State. He created a record for serving as sarpanch for 48 consecutive years beginning from 1952. He also served as Director for Acharya NG Ranga University three times. He strived for development of the village and for the rights of the local bodies particularly the panchayats. He made relentless efforts to develop the Ibrahimpatnam as industrial hub of Krishna district. He donated lands for Jakir Hussain College in Ibrahimpatnam. Recently, he also donated 76 acres of land to the government.

TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu, former minister Devineni Uma and several other leaders visited the residence and consoled the family members.