On the anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his commitment to realizing Vajpayee's vision of a self-reliant and developed India. Modi paid tribute to the former Prime Minister, highlighting his significant contribution to nation-building and his dedication to improving the lives of all citizens.
In a message shared on social media platform X, Modi stated that Vajpayee's spirit of service and dedication to India's progress continues to inspire the nation. He emphasized Vajpayee's unparalleled contribution to building the nation and his unwavering commitment to ensuring a better quality of life for every Indian. Modi pledged to continue working towards fulfilling Vajpayee's vision for India.
Several other prominent figures also paid tribute to Vajpayee on his death anniversary. President Droupadi Murmu, along with PM Modi, Union ministers, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, visited Vajpayee's memorial, 'Sadaiv Atal,' to honor his legacy.
Vajpayee, who served as Prime Minister from 1998 to 2004, is remembered as a leader who significantly boosted India's progress and propelled it into the 21st century across various sectors. He is credited with advancing economic reforms that led to an era of rapid growth. Furthermore, Vajpayee is recognized for popularizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) beyond its traditional base and successfully leading a coalition government for six years.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary stated that the entire nation remembers Vajpayee for his work towards the country and for all sections of society. Union Minister Harsh Malhotra noted that Vajpayee not only transformed the BJP but also changed the course of governance in the country, describing him as "the man of the century" and "the best statesman".
Vajpayee's vision extended beyond economic reforms. As Prime Minister in 1998, during a period of political instability, he demonstrated exceptional leadership. He successfully brought together diverse parties under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) umbrella, redefining coalition politics with a focus on development and national progress. His commitment to the Constitution and his deep pride in India's culture were evident throughout his career. As External Affairs Minister, he was the first Indian leader to address the United Nations in Hindi, symbolizing his pride in the nation’s heritage.
PM Modi has often spoken about Vajpayee's influence on his own political journey and his admiration for the late leader's vision for India. He has emphasized that Vajpayee's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to India's progress and that his legacy continues to inspire countless people. Modi has also acknowledged Vajpayee's role in nurturing the BJP during its formative years.