Rayapati Sambasiva Rao


Rayapati Sambasiva Rao, also known as Rao, is an Indian politician and a member of the 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 16th Lok Sabha. He was one of the youngest members to be elected to the Rajya Sabha at the age of 39. He represented the Narasaraopet and Guntur parliamentary constituency of Andhra Pradesh and currently is a member of the Telugu Desam Party.

Early life

Rao was born in Unguturu, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. His father, Venkata Ranga Rao, was a farmer and a follower of Shaivism. His mother, Sitaramamma was a housewife. Sambasivarao was eldest of the seven children. He completed his Secondary Education from Tadikonda and graduated from New Science College, Hyderabad.

Politics

Rao was attracted to politics from his college days. He was inspired by the Indian National Congress, led by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and his maternal uncle Gogineni Kanakaiah, who was also a prominent politician. He served as Sarpanch and President Panchayat Samithi, Tadikonda. He was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha, and later elected to Lok Sabha for five terms. During his tenure, he installed several Protected Water Supplies in several villages and farmers with Lift Irrigation Schemes. His developmental activities have included railway station upgrades in Guntur and the upgrade of Guntur General Hospital and assisted several villages with MPLAD funds.

Business

Rao owns a conglomerate named Jayalakshmi Group of Companies at Guntur, manufacturing tobacco, yarn, spices, electricity production and road construction. He founded the R.V.R. College of Engineering and Law, Guntur.

Personal life

Sambasiva Rao is married to Leela Kumari. They have one son, Rayapati Ranga Rao and two daughters Devika Rani and Lakshmi.