Thiruvananthapuram: Setting aside political differences, thousands of people from all walks of life came out to pay homage to veteran Marxist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister E K Nayanar, as the body of the departed leader was brought to Thiruvananthapuram from Delhi this morning (May 20, 2004).

The body was taken in an open vehicle from the airport to the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) State headquarters AKG Centre, where people in large numbers had lined up since early morning to salute the "hero of many struggles".

The body of Nayanar, who passed away in Delhi yesterday after protracted illness, will also be kept at the majestic Durbar Hall of the Government Secretariat as part of the State Honours for the longest-serving Chief Minister of Kerala.

The entire State is observing a hurtle as part of mourning, with shops and business establishments downing shutters.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Government had declared a holiday today for offices and educational institutions.

Top CPM leaders, Nayanar's family members, State Ministers and leaders of all political parties paid homage to the stalwart, whose image is etched in the modern history of Kerala as a revolutionary, working class champion, Parliamentarian and administrator.

The cortege will move to Kozhikode in the afternoon and later to Kannur tomorrow for cremation at the Payyambalam Beach in the evening.