To pay last respects to Reddy, Acharya along with state Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar, Medical Education Minister Ramachandra Gowda and Tourism and Infrastructure Development Minister B. Janaradhan Reddy will go to Hyderabad Friday.

In his condolence message from Beijing, Yeddyurappa said in Reddy's death the country has lost a great leader and visionary.

'Rajasekhara Reddy's death has created a void not only in Andhra Pradesh, but also across the country. He was a very popular leader of Andhra Pradesh, with development programmes aimed at the uplift of all the needy sections of society. May his soul rest in peace and may god give strength to his bereaved family members to sustain this huge loss,' Yeddyurappa said.

According to the Chief Minister's Office here, Yeddyurappa spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary P. Ramakanth Reddy Wednesday evening after he heard about the missing chopper and offered all help in the search and rescue operation.

'I had high hopes that Reddy would come back alive. My hopes have been shattered and am deeply hurt with the tragic incident,' Yeddyurappa added.