Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu condoles death of veteran journalist Turlapati Kutumba Rao

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has expressed grief on the passing away of veteran journalist Turlapati Kutumba Rao.

Rao, 89-year-old, passed away at around 12.30 AM in Vijayawada on Monday.

"I have had long association with Sri Rao, who was a multi-faceted personality and an institution by himself--a freedom fighter, social worker, writer, renowned journalist and a great human being..."

"During my recent visit to Vijayawada, Sri Rao had called on me at Swarna Bharat Trust, where I was staying. I had a lively discussion on a wide variety of topics with Sri Rao, who looked quite energetic and enthusiastic like always," the Vice President said in a statement.

Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Opposition leader N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed their condolences over Rao's demise.

( With inputs from ANI )