He was the son of the soil and has always worked for the poor. He is known for good governance.'

'I am deeply saddened by his sudden death. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family.'

In a statement, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat said: 'The death of Rajasekhara Reddy in a tragic helicopter accident has shocked everyone. His untimely death is a big loss for Andhra Pradesh and the Congress.'

Communist Party of India (CPI) leader A.B. Bardhan said Reddy was a 'very dynamic national leader. We had our differences......but there is no difference (in opinion) that he was indeed a dynamic person. It's a big tragedy, a very sad end to a brilliant career.'

Bardhan's colleague D. Raja said it's a 'big loss not only for Andhra Pradesh but also for the entire country. He was a popular leader'.

Renuka Chowdhary, Congress leader and former union minister said: 'He was a hands-on chief minister who didn't hesitate to work hard, who didn't hesitate to fight hard. He believed in what he was doing and put his heart, head, voice, money and everything into it.

'It's very difficult to think him in past tense as yet. And the only way to go forward is to look forward and go forward. We can't look back ....democracy doesn't stand still and moves forward and we need to move forward.'

The helicopter in which the chief minister, popularly known as YSR, and four others were travelling went missing about 9.30 a.m. Wednesday. The wreckage of the helicopter was found Thursday morning on a hilltop in the Nallamalla forest.