Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani said he was deeply saddened by YSR's death and 'the country has lost a popular leader'.

Advani, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, also said YSR's contribution to the development of the state and particularly the deprived classes of the society was 'praiseworthy'.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony, who said he had known YSR for many years, said the country had lost a man of the masses and the people of Andhra Pradesh a true son of the soil.

Prakash Karat, general secretary of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), said YSR's death had shocked everyone and was a big loss for the state and the Congress party.

Communist Party of India (CPI) leader A.B. Bardhan remarked that YSR was a 'very dynamic national leader. It's a big tragedy, a very sad end to a brilliant career.'

Bardhan's colleague D. Raja said the death was a 'big loss not only for Andhra Pradesh but also for the entire country. He was a popular leader'.

YSR's main political rival, Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu, said in Hyderabad that beyond political differences, he had great friendship with the deceased chief minister.

'We were very good friends. He was a man of conviction and charisma. I am shocked,' Naidu said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati called YSR a popular leader and an able administrator. 'His position in south India cannot be filled by anyone,' she said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi expressed grief at the death and announced a two-day state mourning in Tamil Nadu as well. The state's opposition leader, J. Jayalalithaa of the AIADMK, joined the chief minister in mourning YSR's death.

Haryana and Punjab governments also declared a two-day state mourning. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit expressed her profound grief, saying YSR was an able administrator, strategist and a dedicated leader.