The Punjab government also announced a two-day state mourning Thursday and Friday.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal described Reddy as 'a gentleman politician, a decent human being and a people's man.'

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal also mourned the death of Reddy and others in the helicopter crash in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district.

'Reddy would be remembered for his gentle way of persuasion and his commitment for the welfare of downtrodden,' Sukhbir Badal said.