Karnataka pays homage to YSR, declares 2-day mourning

Bangalore: Karnataka on Thursday expressed shock and sadness over the death of Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy in a chopper crash and declared a two-day mourning in his memory.

"As a mark of respect to Rajasekhara Reddy, two-day mourning will be observed in the state on Thursday and Friday. Government offices, schools, colleges and banks will observe holiday Friday under the Negotiable Instruments Act," state Home Minister V S Acharya told reporters after an emergency cabinet meeting held here.

The cabinet also mourned the death of the chief minister's Special Secretary S. Subrahmaniam, chief security officer ASC Wesley, pilot S K Bhatia and co-pilot MS Reddy who were in the Bell-430 helicopter along with Reddy.

"The state cabinet has expressed condolence on the demise of Reddy, who was a great administrator and a popular leader. We remember his contribution to the uplift of society. May his bereaved family get endurance to sustain this grievous loss. Our condolences are with the people of Andhra Pradesh," Acharya said.

The cabinet, which met in the absence of Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa who is away in China on an official visit, observed a minute of silence in memory Reddy and the four others who died with him.

To pay last respects to Reddy, Acharya along with state Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar, Medical Education Minister Ramachandra Gowda and Tourism and Infrastructure Development Minister B Janaradhan Reddy will go to Hyderabad on Friday.

In his condolence message from Beijing, Yeddyurappa said in Reddy's death the country has lost a great leader and visionary.

"Rajasekhara Reddy's death has created a void not only in Andhra Pradesh, but also across the country. He was a very popular leader of Andhra Pradesh, with development programmes aimed at the uplift of all the needy sections of society. May his soul rest in peace and may god give strength to his bereaved family members to sustain this huge loss," Yeddyurappa said.

According to the Chief Minister's Office here, Yeddyurappa spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary P Ramakanth Reddy Wednesday evening after he heard about the missing chopper and offered all help in the search and rescue operation.

"I had high hopes that Reddy would come back alive. My hopes have been shattered and am deeply hurt with the tragic incident," Yeddyurappa added.