Telangana's foremost leader who spearheaded the separate state agitation, since the Nizam's time, Konda Laksman Bapuji had passed away today at his residence, in Hyderabad, after ailing for some time now. The veteran who was a freedom fighter was adored by many leaders of the state, as he had a unique ideology in taking the consensus for the partition, from the entire state. Many leaders from various parties expressed their condolence for the departed leader. The veteran was 97 years old and was to celebrate his 98th birthday on September 27. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.

The Congress party in particular expressed its condolence over the sudden demise of the ailing veteran. The Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed his heart felt condolence on the demise. He said that the freedom fighter has left a void in the state politics. He also reckoned that as the once Deputy Speaker of the house the veteran was noteworthy statesman.

On the other hand the leading opposition of the state Telugu Desam Party also expressed the condolence to the departed soul. The Party Chief N Chandra Babu Naidu added that the demise of the veteran was a national loss. After the assembly mourned the demise of the veteran, TDP Chief urged the state government to build a memorial for the departed veteran.

The mortal remains of the great leader were kept at the Kachiguda Padmashali Bhavan, for the last glimpse to the public. Family sources say the last journey of the departed leader would commence at 11 am tomorrow. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)