People pay last respects to freedom fighter

Sompeta, Andhra Pradesh, Apr 19 (UNI) Solemn mood descended on this town in the northernmost tip of Andhra Pradesh as hundreds of people paid their last respects to Gouthu Lachanna, one of the most notable leaders of the state since pre-independence era.

The mortal remains of the leader, who died this morning, were kept for public view at his son and Telugu Desam MLA Shamsundar Shivaji's residence here.

A number of political leaders made a beeline to Sompeta to pay respects. They included Former Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Supremo Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Leader in Assembly Kala Venkata Rao and TDP Leader in Lok Sabha Yerran Naidu among others.

Mr Lachanna, whose family had made Sompeta their political bastion, had represented the Assembly segment for nearly 40 years and after his retirement from politics, his son had been representing the constituency for last 20 years.

Earlier, speaking to the press at Vishakapatnam, Mr Naidu described Sardar Gouthulachanna as a doyen of weaker sections of the society.

Mr Naidu said Mr Lachanna's role in the independence movement was unforgetable. He will be remembered for his efforts in bringing people, mainly youth, into anti-Congress movement.

His death was a great loss to the nation and the state, Mr Naidu said.

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