A large number of people started pouring into his 8-Teen Murti Lane residence in the morning and later at the CPI-M headquarters where the 92-year-old leader's body was kept for enabling public to offer their last respects.

His body was brought there on Sunday morning from the AIIMS, where it was kept after embalming.

 Surjeet died at the Metro Hospital in Noida two days ago after a prolonged illness.

Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad were among the first to reach his residence as leaders from across the political spectrum came to have the last glimpse of the Marxist leader.

"Surjeet is not among us but his principles will always remain with us. We hope that we can continue to work for the development of the country along with those who believe in his thoughts," Patil told reporters.

Calling Surjeet the "real angel for the poor and working class", Lalu said "we all offer 'Lal Salam' to Surjeet."

Union Minister T R Baalu, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, senior CPI-M leaders Prakash Karat and Sitaram Yechury, former Foreign Minister K Natwar Singh, RLD chief Ajit Singh, PDP leader Mufti Mohamad Sayeed and former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh also came to his residence.

Defence Minister A K Antony, Finance Minister P Chidambaram, BSP chief Mayawati, former prime ministers I K Gujral and H D Deve Gowda, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were among those who visited the CPI-M office to pay homage to the departed soul.

Later, Surjeet's body, wrapped in the CPI-M flag, was taken out from the party office in a procession to the Nigam Bodh Ghat.

Red flags adorned the vehicle in which the body was kept. CPI-M leaders Sitaram Yechury and Prakash Karat, along with the two sons and the daughter of the veteran leader, joined thousands of mourners.