All central government offices in Andhra Pradesh will remain shut Friday, Soni added.

In a resolution, the cabinet said that YSR 'was a tall leader of contemporary India who, through his farsightedness and capable administration, brought tremendous development to the state of Andhra Pradesh'.

Recalling his public career from his election to the state assembly at the age of 28 in 1978, the cabinet recorded its 'deep sense of grief and loss' and extended condolences to the family and people of Andhra Pradesh.

'He was at the peak of his political career and popularity when the hand of fate intervened. In his death, the country has lost an eminent political leader, a farsighted statesman, an astute administrator, a compassionate human being and, above all, a friend of the poor and the downtrodden,' the statement said.