Veteran freedom fighter and Telangana supporter Bhupathy Krishna Murthy, also known as 'Telangana Gandhi', was cremated with state honours here today.
Krishna Murthy (89), who participated in freedom struggle and also agitation for separate Telangana, died of a heart attack last night at his residence in Girmajipet.
His mortal remains were consigned to flames by his son Shyamsundar in the evening.
Earlier, state Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had directed Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma to organise Krishna Murthy's funeral with the state honours.
In view of the CM's directions, deputy chief minister Kadiyam Srihari, district collector Vakati Karuna, SP Ambarkishore Jha organised the last rites.
People from all walks of life including public representatives, officials and others attended the last rites.
The CM conveyed his condolences to Krishna Murthy's family members on phone from Delhi.
He appreciated efforts of Krishna Murthy in creation of separate Telangana state saying he used to take suggestion and guidance from the "Telangana Gandhi".
Krishna Murthy is credited with reviving the Telangana Praja Samithi Party (TPS) when Dr Chenna Reddy merged it with Congress in 1972.
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Ponnala Lakshmaiah visited the grieving family and shared the grief.
Krishna Murthy had worked with Mahatma Gandhi and spent about 44 days with the latter at his Ashram during the freedom struggle.
He had also worked closely with former prime minister (late) PV Narasimha Rao.
He fought for Telangana state in 1969 and continued his struggle till the formation of the state last year.
Krishna Murthy contested Assembly election from Warangal in 1985 but lost with a slender margin.
