Paying rich tributes to former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday described him as a "strong binding force of the National Democratic Alliance".

Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday expressed his "deepest condolences" on the death of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday announced that all the schools and offices in the national capital will remain closed on Friday as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday expressed his condolences on the death of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the passing away of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as "end of an era" and said that every Indian and every BJP worker will continue to be guided by his vision.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday condoled the death of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee calling him a "great son of India".

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a moderate face in saffron politics and the first non-Congress prime minister to complete a full term in office, died here on Thursday after a prolonged illness, AIIMS authorities said. He was 93.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee continues to remain critical but doctors at AIIMS are putting their best efforts to restore him to health, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Thursday.