YSR buried according to Christian rites

The state funeral of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy took place in his native Pulivendula town in Cuddapah district according to Christian rites.

Sources said thousands of mourners packed into a stadium in Hyderabad where Reddy's body was kept before it was flown in an army helicopter to his hometown Pulivendula for the burial on his family estate.

Reddy, who was known for championing popular causes and wooing investors, was given a state funeral, with Christian priests administering final rites, reported Reuters.

Leaders and politicians from different parties, including former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, BJP president Rajnath Singh and senior BJP leader L.K.Advani were among those who paid floral tribute to the departed leader.

The popular politician also received floral tribute from other Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Defence Minister A K Antony and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit at the Chief Minister's Camp office in Hyderabad's Begumpet area.

Andhra Pradesh government is also observing seven-day mourning for Reddy, a Protestant Christian belonging to the Church of South India denomination.

"As a mark of respect to the departed leader, a state mourning is declared for seven days with effect from Thursday. The National Flag will be flown at half mast during the period. There will be no official entertainment," said Chief Secretary P Ramakanth Reddy in a message to all district collectors.

All government offices, schools and colleges in the state remained closed Thursday and Friday.

Reddy was killed with four of his co-passengers in a helicopter crash in a remote area of Andhra Pradesh amid heavy rains Wednesday. According to media reports, shock and grief over the death had claimed 67 lives across the state since Thursday.