NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday condoled the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, saying his legacy will live on and inspire many more.

In his condolence message to the chief minister’s wife Vijaya Laxmi, the prime minister said YSR’s death was a “personal loss”.

Describing him as a “natural leader who was loved equally by the public, his colleagues and the common man,” Manmohan Singh said “it was with a deep sense of grief and personal loss” that he learnt of YSR’s “tragic and untimely demise”.

The chief minister died in a helicopter crash and his charred body was found Thursday along with four others.

The void his passing away has left behind will never be filled, Manmohan Singh said.

Rajasekharaji died as he lived — in the service of the people of Andhra Pradesh and the country. In his untimely passing away, the state of Andhra Pradesh has lost an outstanding leader, and the country has lost an ideal chief minister who was a role model for other states, Manmohan Singh said a statement issued here.

I have lost a valued colleague on whom I depended for support and ideas. Rajasekharaji’s life was one of tireless commitment and service to the people, especially the poor and the underprivileged. His legacy will live on and will inspire many others in the times to come, he said.

He said in his long and illustrious political career, Reddy distinguished himself in every position.

The prime minister said that Reddy was elected to the state legislative assembly at a young age of 28 and was a member of the Lok Sabha for four terms.

Saying his contribution to the Congress party was “immense”, Singh said he led the party to two consecutive victories in Andhra Pradesh.

“As president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, he undertook a historic padayatra in 1998 which endeared him to the people of the State, he said.

As a chief minister, Rajasekharaji will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the development of Andhra Pradesh and his administrative acumen. All his actions were guided by his deep sensitivity to the problems of the poor and the needy, he added.

The prime minister said his wife Gursharan Kaur joins in extending their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

I pray to God to give you the strength and the fortitude to guide you in this hour of profound personal loss, the prime minister said.