India has lost an outstanding leader: Manmohan Singh

Condoling the "untimely" death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the country has lost "an outstanding leader".     

"In the sad and most untimely demise of Dr 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," Singh wrote in a message in the visitor's book at the camp office here.

Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and a host of party leaders arrived here today to pay homage to Reddy, who died in a chopper crash.     

"My heartfelt sympathies go to the members of the bereaved family and the people of Andhra Pradesh," Singh said.     

Sonia Gandhi said, "I am here to bid my last farewell to my colleague Chief Minister Rajasekhara Reddy. A dynamic, visionary, progressive leader who throughout his career strived for the upliftment of the poor, the farmers, for the empowerment of women and welfare of children."     

"As chief minister he was untiring in his effort to work for the people of the state," she wrote in the condolence book.

"For us in the Congress party his 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", she said.     

AICC General secretary Rahul Gandhi wrote that YSR was a true leader.     

"Andhra Pradesh and India have had a tremendous loss. I personally learnt a lot from the Chief Minister. He is an inspiration to those who would like to impact the lives of the poor people of our country," he said.

"It is a sad day for all of us. My condolences to the family and the people of Andhra Pradesh," Rahul added.