Veteran Cong leader Balakrishnan cremated

Chennai, Jun 25 (UNI) Cutting across partylines, hundreds of people paid a tearful homage as the mortal remains of veteran Congress leader S Balakrishnan, who died yesterday, were consigned to flames at his native village Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district today.

The body was kept at the residence of Mr Balakrishnan for public homage, was earlier taken in a procession to the cremation ground.

Tamil Nadu Ministers Subha Thangavelan, K R Periakaruppan, TNCC President M Krishnasamy and host of Congressmen and general public joined the funeral procession. Mr Balakrishnan's son Jawahar lit the pyre.

Earlier, Union Ministers P Chidambaram and E V K S Elangovan paid homage to the late leader by placing wreaths on the body at his residence.

Mr Balakrishan, who had served as TNCC President and Leader of the opposition, died yesterday morning after prolonged illness.

UNI WS VV VD BD1742