Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and several other leaders condoled the death of former President A P J Abdul Kalam.
Naidu, who expressed deep shock and anguish at Kalam's death said that the former president was "a dear friend" and the noblest human being he met in his life.
"During NDA rule under Vajpayee's leadership, we had collectively proposed his name for the President's post," Naidu was quoted as saying in a statement issued here today.
"I am deeply saddened. My deepest condolences. Kalam and I shared a great bond. His achievements as a fine scientist, scholar, teacher and a mentor are immeasurable. He will remain in our hearts," Naidu said.
He recalled that Kalam had launched the "primary sector mission" of his government in Anantapur district last year during which he made farmers in a village recite a poem along with him.
"He was a gem of a person, an icon India has lost. May his soul rest in peace," the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said.
Describing Kalam as a great humanist, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao said the former president's death is a great loss to the country.
Rao also recalled Kalam's contributions which made him "the Missile Man".
Several Andhra Pradesh ministers, Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy and other leaders condoled the death of Kalam.
