TDP leader and Vizianagaram MP Ashok Gajapathi Raju assumed charge as Civil Aviation Minister today.
Ashok has been a member of the Telugu Desam Party since its inception in 1982 under the leadership of Telugu superstar and late Chief Minister N T Rama Rao, and was elected to the Assembly for the second time in 1983. He won subsequent elections in 1985, 1989, 1994 and 1999.
The 63-year-old leader defeated YSR Congress candidate Venkata Swetha Chalapathi Kumara Krishna Rangarao Ravu by a margin of 1,06,911 votes in the just concluded elections.