Indian bishops condole death of AP Chief Minister

(September 4, 2009) India’s Catholic bishops have expressed their condolences for the death of Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy of Andhra Pradesh state, who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday. The 60 year old Christian and leading member of Congress was considered one of the most influential long standing politicians of the country. A condolence message by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), said they “fondly remember him as one of the great Chief Ministers of our country who had a vision and worked assiduously for the welfare of the people of Andhra Pradesh and the country.” “His love for the poor and the marginalized was very well reflected in the several schemes which he launched in the State as Chief Minister.” The CBCI said Reddy was a leader of the masses who devoted all his time, energy and resources for the betterment of the people of his State irrespective of any caste, colour or creed. He set his life on a mission so that Andhra Pradesh could be well placed at the national level. While praying for the repose of the soul of Reddy, the Indian bishops remembered his contribution to the State and the nation. A medical doctor, late Chief Minister Reddy belonged to the Church of South India, CSI.