Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several of his cabinet ministers, on Saturday paid heartfelt tributes to ‘Bharat Ratna’ Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as the nation remembers him on his seventh death anniversary.
PM Modi, on the occasion, highlighted Vajpayee’s unwavering dedication to India’s progress.
“Remembering Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. His dedication and spirit of service towards the all-round progress of India continue to inspire everyone in building a developed and self-reliant India,” he posted on the social media platform X.
Vajpayee, who served as Prime Minister from 1998 to 2004, left an indelible mark on Indian politics and economy.
“Former Prime Minister, founding member of the BJP, Bharat Ratna revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji laid a strong foundation for development and good governance while advancing value-based politics. Atal ji was a leader who never compromised on principles and ideology, even if it meant losing his government,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a social media post, paying tributes to the former Prime Minister.
“Under his leadership, India conducted successful Nuclear tests in Pokhran and delivered a decisive response to enemies in the Kargil War. Through his thoughts and actions, Atal ji will continue to inspire us all to walk the path of national service. On the death anniversary of revered Atal ji, I pay my respects to him,” Shah added.
Union Health Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda also paid heartfelt tributes to Vajpayee, and termed him as an “inspiration for countless workers”.
“Revered Atal ji dedicated his life to the creation of a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India. From the establishment of the BJP to the building of a robust India, he remained steadfastly committed throughout his life. His thoughts and actions for public service and national upliftment are exemplary for millions of BJP workers,” Nadda wrote in a social media post.
On the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that India would always remember the former prime minister’s “tremendous” contributions to the country.
“I pay homage to Atalji on his Punya Tithi. He worked all his life with the resolve of building a strong and prosperous India. The nation will always remember his tremendous contribution,” Singh posted on his social media handle.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took to social media and posted, “Join the nation in paying homage to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his Punya Tithi. His lifelong contributions to nation-building and advancing India’s strategic interests will forever be cherished.”
Also, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media and paid homage to Vajpayee, calling him an “eloquent orator” and a “skilled politician.”
“Your unique personality, vibrant oratory, and nationalist ideology gave a new direction to Indian politics. Your life is an exemplary model of patriotism, dedication, and service, which will always inspire us to move forward on the path of nation-building,” the Uttarakhand CM said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid his heartfelt tributes to the former Prime Minister, calling him “people’s leader” and “fearless guardian of national duty.”
Taking to X, he posted, “He was the architect of integrity in Indian politics, the voice of gentleness and restraint in dialogue, the embodiment of morality in national policy, and the flagbearer of national duty. Revered Atal ji was truly a symbol of political dedication. We offer countless salutations to his sacred memories!”
The BJP also took to social media and paid tributes to its founding member, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
“A humble tribute on the death anniversary of the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, the pathfinder of millions of workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party, our source of inspiration, former Prime Minister, and Bharat Ratna,” the BJP wrote on X.
Vajpayee’s tenure saw significant infrastructure development, and diplomatic achievements. His government pursued liberalization policies, privatization, and infrastructure development, ensuring a stable economic environment and paving the way for India’s rapid growth, he also launched major road projects like the Golden Quadrilateral, connecting India’s major cities and boosting economic activity.
Vajpayee improved relations with the US, conducted nuclear tests in 1998, and initiated peace efforts with Pakistan, including the historic Lahore Bus Journey. His government implemented initiatives like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, aimed at universalizing elementary education, and the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, a food security program for the economically insecure.
Vajpayee’s legacy extends beyond his policies, with his inclusive leadership style, poetic eloquence, and dedication to nation-building earning him admiration across party lines. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 2015.