Andhra bids farewell to YSR

Former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, who died in a helicopter crash two days ago, was laid to rest on Friday by the side of his parents at his private estate at Idupulapaya in Pudivendula, his hometown. The embalmed body, which was kept in a wooden coffin, was buried at 5.30 pm.

Thousands turned up to pay homage to the mass leader. The body was flown from Hyderabad to Pudivendula in a helicopter in the afternoon.

Reddy’s body was taken from his camp office at Begumpet to the Congress’ headquarters at Gandhi Bhavan and later shifted to the Lal Bahadur stadium, the very place where he was sworn in as chief minister for the second term on May 21, for public viewing.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance chairperson and All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Sonia Gandhi and AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi visited Reddy's residence here in the morning. Several state and central ministers, MPs, MLAs, cine actors, official and others too paid a visit.

The Prime Minister and AICC chief consoled Vijayalakshmi, Reddy’s wife, and YS Jaganmohan Reddy, his son. "In the sad and most untimely demise of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, our country has lost an outstanding leader and the people of Andhra Pradesh have lost an ideal chief minister who was personally concerned to the welfare of the poor,'' the Prime Minister said in his message.

“For us in the Congress party, his (Reddy's) passing is a huge loss. We shall always cherish his contribution and we shall take inspiration from the manner in which day and night he worked tirelessly for all sections of society,” Sonia Gandhi said.

“YSR was a true leader. He is an inspiration to those who would like to impact the lives of the poor of the country,” said Rahul Gandhi.

An Army vehicle that carried the body of Reddy led the procession. Family members and confidants travelled in another vehicle, which was part of the long convoy.