Thousands of people lined up on the road to pay their last respects to Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh whose body arrived in Latur this morning.              

The body of Deshmukh, who passed away at the Global Hospital in Chennai yesterday, was flown in an Air Force plane to Latur early today.              

On way to his native village Babhalgaon, the procession of the vehicle carrying Deshmukh's body was impeded by thousands of mourners who blocked traffic on the main road in a bid to have a last glimpse of the leader.              

Shops and commercial establishments in Latur have downed shutters since yesterday soon after the news of Deshmukh's passing away reached them.              

Police sources said seven lakh people are expected to attend Deshmukh's last rites.