New Delhi, Aug 16:  A seven-day state mourning has been announced by the Centre as mark of tribute towards former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died in AIIMS on Thursday.

A public holiday would be observed tomorrow, with all public institutions, schools and colleges to remain closed. All state governments are expected to ratify and implement the order issued by the Centre.

Vajpayee, 93, was hospitalised on June 11 this year after he contracted an infection in his urinary tract and developed congestion in the chest. His condition deteriorated on Wednesday, when the bulletin released by AIIMS said the former PM was "critical" his vitals were deteriorating.

At 5:05 pm on Thursday, Vajpayee breathed his last and succumbed to death. His mortal remains are expected to be taken at his Delhi-based residence, where people would be allowed to pay their final tributes.

Although Vajpayee was admitted nearly two months ago, his overall health had deteriorated in 2009, when he suffered a stroke followed by dementia. The stroke left the BJP patriarch speech-impaired.

On his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a void has been created in Indian public life which would not be filled.

"It was due to the perseverance and struggles of Atal Ji that the BJP was built brick by brick. He travelled across the length and breadth of India to spread the BJP's message, which led to the BJP becoming a strong force in our national polity and in several states," Modi added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2018 08:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).