President condoles Reddy's demise; says a dynamic leader lost

President Pratibha Patil today condoled the tragic death of Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, describing him as a "dynamic" chief minister who always worked for the welfare of the state.

In Russia for a five-day state visit, the president said in Reddy's death the nation has lost a dynamic leader.

"Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy was a dynamic chief minister who always worked for the welfare of the people of Andhra Pradesh," she said.

"I had the opportunity to interact with him on a number of occasions. During our interactions his deep commitment to the development of Andhra Pradesh, its rural areas, the weaker sections of society and the empowerment of women was always evident," Patil said.

The president in her condolence message said: "in his sudden demise, people of Andhra Pradesh and indeed the nation have lost a dynamic leader. His loss shall be deeply felt."