Friends and rivals pay homage to YSR

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday paid an emotional tribute to one of the party's most successful Chief Ministers, describing how he'd steered them to victory in the state despite the odds.

"For us it is a huge loss. It is a loss for the party, for this colleagues, for AP, for the country. His historic padyatra brought us back to power after 10 years. Prior to elections we had meetings on what was going to be the strategy for AP," the Congress president said.

Some of us were concerned, but YSR was firm. He said you trust me and my colleagues and we will come back victorious, Sonia Gandhi added.

"We have no words to express our pain and anguish. Our heart goes out to everyone," she said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also expressed his grief and shock.

"Congress has lost an outstanding leader who played a stellar role in bringing cong back to power in Andhra Pradesh," the PM said.

Congress grieved the loss of one of their tallest leader YSR Reddy. He was one of last of their regional satraps who ensured the party's presence in the South.

But the farmer politician and a doctor, is being remembered with respect and affection across political spectrum.

"It is an irreparable loss to country, Congress and democracy. Our condolences to his family and his dear ones," BJP president Rajnath Singh said.

"Across the nation, there is a sense of loss. Opponents are remembering a man who didn't lose a single election in the last 30 years," CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said.

Even non-Congress states like Punjab and Karnataka declared state mourning.

"The Chief Minister was not only admired in his own state but by many others all over the country," Orissa Chief Minister Navin Patnaik said.

The man who was always trying to solve people's problems, was again on a mission -- going to a village for a surprise visit. But sadly for the Cuddpah tiger, it was to be his last.