Bhopal: Lauding his contribution towards the state's development, leaders cutting across party lines sent their condolences on the death of former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Babulal Gaur on Wednesday.

Gaur, 89, died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital on Wednesday morning, Narmada Hospital's director Dr Rajesh Sharma said, according to a PTI report.

He was suffering from various old-age related ailments and had been in the hospital for quite some time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over his demise and appreciated his contribution towards strengthening the BJP and the development of Madhya Pradesh.

"Shri Babulal Gaur Ji served people for decades. From Jana Sangh days, he worked constantly to strengthen our party.

As minister and CM of Madhya Pradesh, he undertook many efforts to transform the state. Saddened by his demise.

Condolences to his family and supporters," Modi tweeted.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath went to Gaur's residence to pay tributes to the deceased leader.

In his message, Nath said, "Gaur's demise is a personal loss for me. I have lost a good friend and a political colleague. He was a leader respected by all, cutting across party lines."

He said Gaur focused on development, worked sensitively and believed in taking everyone along.

Union Home minister Amit Shah also sent his condolences.

"Received the sad news of Babulal Gaur ji's demise.

His entire life was dedicated to public service. He was the founder member of Bharatiya Majdoor Sangh and jailed for 19 months for strongly opposing the Emergency," Shah said in a tweet.

Recalling Gaur's active role in 'Goa Mukti Andolan', Shah said he would also be remembered for his struggle in the public interest and strengthening the BJP in Madhya Pradesh.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh also expressed grief over Gaur's death, saying he always used to meet him warmly despite being in a rival political party.

I am deeply saddened by news of Babulal Gaur jis demise. In the political life, we were two poles apart but practically he was very close to my heart. He used to meet with full warmth. He worked with complete honesty. I lost a political partner," Singh said.

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, several other BJP leaders and ministers of the Congress-led state government also went to Gaur's residence to pay their tributes.

Around 12:30pm, Gaur's mortal remains were taken to the state BJP office for members of the public to pay their last respects to the departed leader.

His last rites would be performed in the evening, a BJP leader said.

The veteran BJP leader served as the state's chief minister from 2004 to 2005 and represented his traditional Govindpura Vidhan Sabha seat 10 times.

Born on June 2, 1930 at Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh, Gaur started as a trade unionist and went to become a powerful and popular leader in Madhya Pradesh.