Pall of gloom in Gopinath Munde's home town

PARLI VAIJNATH (MAHARASHTRA): A pall of gloom descended on this town in Beed district of Marathwada region as news of the demise of its most illustrious son Gopinath Munde trickled here this morning.

People came onto the streets in small groups as news of the accident spread.

Many prayed on the roads, including the senior BJP leader's supporters from the minority community.They hoped that he would come out alive from this fight, but minutes later their worst fears were confirmed and some of his supporters broke down.

Meanwhile, Munde's family members have left Mumbai for New Delhi.

His body will be flown to Latur this afternoon and later taken to his native place in Parli.

His cremation would take place tomorrow. Munde died following a road accident while he was on way to Delhi airport to attend his public felicitation in his native Beed district which was scheduled this evening.