New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday paid floral tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary at his memorial, Sadaiv Atal, in the national capital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also honored Vajpayee, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP National President JP Nadda, Rajya Sabha Deputy Speaker Harivansh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and other senior leaders. Former PM Vajpayee’s foster daughter, Namita Kaul Bhattacharya, was also present.
PM Modi recalled Vajpayee’s dedication to India’s progress, noting that his vision continues to inspire efforts toward building a developed and self-reliant nation. In a post on X, he wrote: “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.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage, highlighting Vajpayee’s lifelong commitment to a strong and prosperous India. In a post on X, he said: “I pay homage to Atalji on his punyatithi. He worked all his life with the resolve of building a strong and prosperous India. The nation will always remember his tremendous contribution.”
Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was elected Prime Minister three times and was the first non-Congress leader to serve a full term. He held office from May 16 to June 1, 1996, and again from March 19, 1998, to May 22, 2004, and also served as External Affairs Minister under Prime Minister Moraji Desai from 1977 to 1979.
Vajpayee passed away at AIIMS Hospital in Delhi on August 16, 2018.
