Crowds and police personnel join the funeral procession of former MLA Palla Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Simhachalam’s son, TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao, is seen accompanied by NDA leaders.
| Photo Credit: V. RAJU
A large number of TDP supporters and followers of party State president Palla Srinivasa Rao gathered at Gajuwaka on Sunday to pay their last respects to Palla Simhachalam, former MLA-Visakhapatnam II and father of Mr. Palla Srinivasa Rao.
Prominent leaders and elected representatives from the NDA, including Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, Ch Vamsikrishna Srinivas, Panchakarla Ramesh Babu, Peela Govinda Satyanarayana and others were present and paid their last respects to Palla Simhachalam.
YSRCP leader and former MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, who once worked with Mr. Palla Srinivasa Rao when he was with the TDP, also attended the funeral. His presence underscored the political legacy of Palla Simhachalam and the influential role played by the Palla family in Andhra’s political landscape.
In recognition of his public service and contributions to the State, the government instructed the police to accord State honours during the funeral. The ceremonial salute was carried out with full official protocol.
Some of the followers said that Palla Simhachalam will be remembered not only for his political work, but also for his people-friendly approach and commitment to welfare of the public.
Palla Simhachalam died at a private hospital on June 7, while undergoing treatment. He was the TDP MLA Visakhapatnam II during 1994-1999.
Published – June 09, 2025 12:41 am IST