Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan andChief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy are staying away from New Year celebrationsin view of the gang-rape and death of a young woman in Delhi.
Separate statements issued by their offices said they would not take part inany celebrations.
The governor and the chief minister also decided not to receive any New Yeargreetings in person.
"The usual exchange of greetings with members of the civil society hasbeen cancelled at Raj Bhavan as homage to the death of the 23-year-old whoselife was cut short by a heinous incident at Delhi," a statement from theRaj Bhavan said.
"In view of the sad demise of the Delhi girl following the unfortunateincident, Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy personally decided not to takepart in any New Year celebrations," said a statement from the chiefminister's office.
Leader of Opposition and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidutoo declared he would not celebrate the New Year.
Union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi also made a similar announcement.
He participated in a candlelight vigil in Hyderabad Monday night to condole thedeath of the gang-rape victim.