Commemorating Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 5th Death Anniversary: Leaders Pay Homage to Former Prime Minister
On the solemn occasion of the 5th death anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a towering figure in Indian politics and a stalwart of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leaders from various political spheres came together to pay their heartfelt tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Draupadi Murmu, and prominent figures from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gathered at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial to offer floral homage to the memory of the former prime minister.
Distinguished personalities including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Praful Patel, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Anupriya Patel, Union Minister and leader of Apna Dal (Soneylal), and Jitan Ram Manjhi of HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha) were present. Also, present was Namita Kaul Bhattacharya, Vajpayee’s foster daughter, who paid her respects by laying a floral tribute at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial.
In the digital realm, Prime Minister Modi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his profound feelings. He emphasized the significant role that Atal Bihari Vajpayee played in the advancement of India. The Prime Minister’s words struck a chord with millions as he conveyed, “In joining the 1.4 billion people of India, I pay my respects to the remarkable Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. His leadership immensely enriched India, playing a crucial role in advancing our nation across various sectors into the 21st century.”
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, born in Gwalior in 1924, was an influential political figure who served as the face of the BJP for several decades. A defining aspect of his legacy was that he became the first non-Congress prime minister to complete a full term in office. His tenure as the Prime Minister of India spanned multiple periods: from May 16, 1996, to June 1, 1996, and then again from March 19, 1998, to May 22, 2004. Notably, he also held the crucial position of India’s External Affairs Minister under Prime Minister Moraji Desai from 1977 to 1979. Sadly, in 2018, Vajpayee breathed his last at AIIMS Hospital in Delhi on August 16.
Following the ascension of Prime Minister Modi to power in 2014, a tribute was paid to the venerable former Prime Minister through the declaration of December 25 as “Good Governance Day,” coinciding with Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birthdate. This move aimed to honor his dedication to leadership and his significant contributions to the nation’s progress.
As the nation commemorated the 5th death anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it was a time for leaders and citizens alike to reflect on his transformative legacy. From his impactful leadership to his tireless efforts in propelling India forward, Vajpayee’s influence continues to be felt, and his memory remains etched in the collective heart of the nation.