AP: Two-time MP from Vijayawada, Chennupati Vidya, passes away
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Former Member of Lok Sabha, Chennupati Vidya, died of heart attack in Vijayawada of Andhra Pradesh in the wee hours today at the age of 84. Vidya was elected to the Parliament as a Congress candidate from Vijayawada constituency in 1980 and 1989. She had also won the Jamnalal Bajaj Award in recognition of her services to women and contribution to women empowerment.
About
Vidya, the daughter of prominent atheist leader, GoRa
Vidya was the daughter of atheist movement leader Goparaju Ramachandra Rao (GoRa). She is survived by a son and three daughters, family sources said. GoRa established the Atheist Center in Vijayawada and his entire family was involved in social service through the Center. In 1980, Vidya defeated former Union Minister Dr. KL Rao by over one lakh votes in what was then a sensation.
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Vidya's work for women empowerment was commendable: AP CM
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over Vidya's death. "Vidya rendered exemplary services as an MP. Her work for women empowerment, in particular, was commendable," the Chief Minister said in a statement. He extended sympathies to the bereaved family. Vijayawada MP Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) and MLA Gadde Ramamohan and others visited Atheist Centre and paid homage to the former MP..