K Rosaiah sworn in new Andhra Pradesh CM

Finance Minister K Rosaiah was sworn-in as new chief minister of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. He succeeds Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy [ Images ], who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday.

Rosaiah was administered the oath of office and secrecy at a simple ceremony by Governor Narayan Dutt Tiwari at the Raj Bhavan.

Union Minister Veerappa Moily [ Images ], who is also in charge of AP Congress Committee affairs, Union Minister of State Prithvi Raj Chauhan, several state ministers, MPs and AP Congress Committee president D Srinivas were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, the state government has announced seven-day mourning from Thursday as a mark of respect to late Dr Rajasekhar Reddy. The national flag would be flown at half-mast during this period of mourning throughout the state.

All state government offices schools and colleges in the state remained closed on Thursday. The government has also declared a holiday for government offices, schools and colleges on the funeral day, that is, Friday, according to an official communique.

Reportage: SA Hasan | Photograph: SnapsIndia