Amaravati: The death of former Andhra Pradesh Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao has triggered a political slug fest in the state with the Telugu Desam Party (YSRCP) holding the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) responsible for the veteran leader's suspected suicide.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu accused the state government of causing mental agony to Rao by "foisting" several cases on him.

The maintained it had nothing to do with Rao's death and there was no political witch-hunt by the government as being alleged by the TDP.

It may be recalled that 72-year old Kodela, who died at a hospital in Hyderabad on Monday in a suspected case of suicide, was last month slapped with a case by the Andhra Pradesh police for alleged illegal possession of furniture of the assembly.

Refuting the TDPs charges, AP Municipal Minister Botsa Satyanarayana said the government did not harass the former Speaker.

There have been conflicting versions on Kodela's death since afternoon. A thorough inquiry is needed to establish the facts, the minister told reporters at the Secretariat. He requested the Telangana government to conduct a detailed probe into the veteran TDP leader's death.

Hitting back at the TDP for indulging in politics over the dead, Botsa maintained that certain cases were filed against Kodela and family members based on complaints by "their victims". The TDP was trying to politicise them, he charged.

Botsa condoled the death of the TDP leader and extended sympathies to the bereaved family. Meanwhile, Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the former Speaker's death. The Governor, in a message, said the services of Rao as Assembly Speaker would always be remembered. In a separate message, the Chief Minister said Rao had a long political innings since 1983 and was also a popular doctor. He extended condolences to the bereaved family. Jana Sena Party president K Pawan Kalyan also mourned the TDP leader's death.

Also Read: AP CM Offers Condolences To Kodela Family