S C Shukla cremated

Raipur, Feb 14 (UNI) The mortal remains of veteran Congress leader Shyama Charan Shukla, who died here early today, were consigned to flames at the Mahadev Ghat Crematorium with full state honours this evening.

Mr Shukla's son Amitesh lit the pyre. The departed leader was given a gun salute by the Chhattisgarh Armed Force personnel who later stood with reversed arms.

Former union minister Vidya Charan Shukla, who is the younger brother of the departed leader, was also present.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil placed a wreath on behalf of Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

All India Congress Committee Treasurer Motilal Vora, Congress Working Committee Member Mohsina Kidwai, MPs, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, his Madhya Pradesh counterpart Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Jamuna Devi, ministers and legislators were among those present.

Mr Shukla (82), who was thrice chief minister of undivided Madhya Pradesh, died at a local hospital following prolonged illness.

Earlier, hundreds paid homage to him at Rajim, the assembly constituency that he represented for several years. The body was later placed at the state Congress office here to enable party workers to pay their tributes.

UNI