Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today described as a personal loss the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and said he was a "role model" and an outstanding leader with a tireless commitment to serve the people.
In his condolence message to Reddy's widow Vijaya Lakshmi, Singh said Reddy worked for the masses, especially the poor and under-privileged, and described him as a "valued colleague on whom I depended for support and ideas".
The void would be difficult to fill, he said.
"Rajshekharji died as he lived — in the service of the people of Andhra Pradesh and the country. In his untimely passing away, the state of Andhra Pradesh has lost an outstanding leader and the country has lost an ideal Chief Minister who was a role model for other states," said Singh while noting that his wife Gursharan Kaur also joined him in extending the heartfelt condolences.
Praising Reddy as a "natural leader", the Prime Minister said he would be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the development of Andhra Pradesh and his administrative acumen.
"All his actions were guided by his deep sensitivity to the problems of the poor and the needy," he said.
Noting that Reddy's life was one of "tireless commitment and service to the people, especially the poor and the under-privileged", Singh said. "His legacy will live on and will inspire many others in the time to come," he added.
The Prime Minister said Reddy, in his long and illustrious political career, had distinguished himself in every position he held.
Singh recalled that Reddy was elected to the state legislative assembly at a young age of 28 years and was a member of the Lok Sabha for four terms.
"His contribution to the Congress party was immense. He led the party to two consecutive victories in Andhra Pradesh. As president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, he undertook a historic padyatra in 1998 which endeared him to the people of the state," he said.
