Thousands of TDP cadres and general public bid a tearful farewell to former MP S.M. Lal Jan Basha here on Friday. Leaders of various political parties, including the TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, paid their last respects to the former MP before he was finally laid to rest in the evening in a burial ground near his residence in Anandpet.
Heavy rain did not deter the huge number of party workers from mourning their Mr. Basha’s death, which came as a rude jolt to the party and the minority community for whom he was like a big brother.
In the morning, Mr. Basha’s mortal remains were taken out in a procession from his residence to Brahmananda Reddy stadium where they had the last glimpse of their beloved leader.
Mr. Basha’s body was brought to B.R stadium in the morning and kept there till 2 p.m, after which the funeral procession was taken amidst heavy rain. Among those who carried the casket on their shoulders were Mr. Naidu and other party leaders.
Queue lines were arranged for the public to pay tributes to Mr. Basha and the crowds grew bigger after 12 noon. A large posse of policemen and also paramilitary forces were posted there to prevent any untoward incident. They were seen regulating the milling crowds.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Naidu said Mr. Basha had rendered invaluable services to the party and dedicated himself for the well-being of people. It would be a fitting tribute to name any major project coming up in Guntur after him.
Cutting across party lines, leaders paid tributes to Mr. Basha. Those who paid floral tributes included Rural Development Minister D.M. Vara Prasada Rao, Guntur East MLA Sk. Mastan Vali, Ambati Rambabu, Marri Rajasekhar and L. Appi Reddy of YSR Congress, CPI District Secretary Muppalla Nageswara Rao and CPM’s D. Rama Devi. Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Karanam Balaram, K. Kala Venkata Rao, Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao, Varla Ramaiah, Teegala Krishna Reddy and Pratthipati Pulla Rao attended the funeral.
