An industrialist known for the popular ‘Nandi’ brand of PVC pipes, a three-time Lok Sabha MP, and popular in Kurnool for philanthropic activities, SPY Reddy died due to health complications. He was 69.

For many in Andhra Pradesh, especially the poor in Kurnool districts in 2000s, SPY Reddy will remain etched in their memory forever. His Nandi Group had launched a plate of Jowar roti and a cup of dal for just ₹2. Thousands of people, including his workers in the Nandi factories of PVC and dairy benefited.

Bolstered by the success in business and the popularity with the people, Reddy ventured into politics seeking a BJP ticket, but failed. But his luck turned when the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, looking for a strong candidate, pitched for a Congress ticket for him in 2004. SPY reddy won the Nandyal Lok Sabha seat.

After getting elected on a YSR Congress seat in 2014, he jumped to the TDP. But with the TDP refusing a ticket, he shifted to Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena. Just a few days before the April 11 polling, he fell seriously ill and was admitted to a hospital in Hyderabad.

But he did not recover and passed away on Tuesday night. He is survived by wife and two daughters.

In the last few years his business had been on a decline. Reports suggest that he had defaulted on bank loans up to ₹500 crore.

But SPV Reddy will be remembered for his Nandi brand and welfare schemes.

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