Leaders across political spectrum condole Andhra CM's tragic death

New Delhi/Hyderabad, Sep.3 (ANI): The tragic death of Andhara Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy and others on Thursday left the leaders of all political parties of the country shocked and grief-stricken.

Political leaders beyond party lines on Thursday mourned the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, hailing him as a "man of determination, charisma and conviction".

A pall of gloom has descended on Congress party offices headquarters where its flag is flying half-mast. At the head office of main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also the flag is flying half-mast here. It is a tremendous loss. He was a dynamic chief minister. A towering and successful leader of the state and the Congress party," Congress party spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan said.

"He was very practical. He always wanted to achieve specific goals. He was a man on the move. I am sure there is much more he could have achieved," said Natarajan.

Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani, in his condolence message, said: "I am deeply saddened to know that the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has died in a tragic helicopter accident. I condole his untimely and tragic death."

"The people of Andhra Pradesh and the country at large have lost a very able and popular leader of (the) masses," Advani added.

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat said: "The death of Rajasekhara Reddy in a tragic helicopter accident has shocked everyone. His untimely death is a big loss for Andhra Pradesh and the Congress."

Also condoling Reddy's death was BJP president Rajnath Singh who said: "The sudden death of YSR is an irreparable loss. He was the son of the soil and has always worked for the poor. He is known for good governance."

"I am deeply saddened by his sudden death. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family," he added.

Telugu Desam Party chief and YSR's main political rival Chandrababu Naidu also told reporters in Hyderabad that beyond political differences, he had great friendship with the deceased chief minister.

"We were very good friends. He was a man of conviction and charisma. I am shocked," he said.

Chiranjeevi, President of Praja Rajyam Party (PRP), said "Today everyone is in morning because we have lost a great leader, who was always helpful."

Reddy's Bell 430 chopper went missing Wednesday morning at about 9.35 and could only be located on Thursday morning following a night long search operation by different units of security personnel including Army's Commandos, Air Force's Sukhoi-30, and 5,000 CRPF personnel.

Prime Minister Office confirmed the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajshekhera Reddy and four others after their chopper crash-landed about 40 nautical miles east of the Kurnool mountainous area.

Reddy's chopper wreckage was discovered atop a hill about 40 nautical miles from Andhra Pradesh's Kurnoool district.

Along with YSR, four others-Dr P Subramanium, the special secretary to the Chief Minister; ASC Wesley, Chief Security Officer and two pilots Group Captain SK Bhatia and Captain MS Reddy-died in the crash. (ANI)