The Congress veteran and twice chief minister of the state died at a hospital in Chennai this afternoon due to serious liver ailment.
Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan, in his condolence message from Pune, said the country had lost an "astute and pragmatic" leader with vast and varied experience in political life.
Calling Deshmukh a mass leader with immense popularity, the Governor said his death had snapped a "promising political career" and caused a void in political scene of the state.
He also cancelled the Independence Day reception scheduled for tomorrow in Pune.
Describing Deshmukh as an able administrator, a mass leader and distinguished parliamentarian, BJP president Nitin Gadkari said, "People of Maharashtra will never forget the work done by him for the benefit of the state.
"Deshmukh had special interest in the development of Marathwada and Vidharbha. The Mihaan project went ahead because of his sincere efforts," Gadkari, said adding, his death was a great loss to the Congress.
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State Congress chief Manikrao Thakre said, "It is a big jolt to the Congress. We learnt a lot from him."
Thakre said the party will continue the good work started by Deshmukh. (MORE)