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Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister, passes away at 93

Ministry of Home Affairs
16-August, 2018 20:15 IST
Seven day State Mourning to be observed in memory of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

The Government of India announce with profound sorrow the death of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India on 16th August, 2018, at AIIMS Hospital, New Delhi.

As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of State Mourning will be observed throughout India from 16.08.2018 to 22.08.2018, both days inclusive. During this period the National Flag will be flown at half mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of State Mourning. It has also been decided that the State Funeral will be accorded to late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Smriti Sthal, New Delhi.

All Central Government offices and CPSUs across the country, and Delhi Government offices in NCT of Delhi will observe half day holiday in the afternoon of day of funeral.

National Flag shall also fly half mast till 22.08.2018 in all Indian Missions/High Commissions of India abroad.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind paying tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vaajpayee, in New Delhi on August 16, 2018.
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Vajpayee’s stature, dignity attracted me to public life, says Ram Nath Kovind

New Delhi, August 17, 2018 17:23 IST
Updated: August 17, 2018 17:23 IST
KOVIND

President Ram Nath Kovind pays tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence, in New Delhi. | Photo Credit: PTI

The President said millions of homes across the country have felt the loss on Vajpayee’s demise.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday described Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s demise a personal loss for him and said it was the former prime minister’s stature and dignity that attracted him to public life by giving up his legal profession.

Conveying his condolences on the passing away of Vajpayee, the President in his letter to the former prime minister’s adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya said that working with him was an unforgettable experience.

“Atalji’s death is of course a personal loss for you and others at home. It is also a personal loss for me. It was his stature and dignity that attracted me to public life, as I gave up the legal profession to become his colleague,” he said in the letter.

“Years later, when I called on him after being elected the President of India, he was bed-ridden but responded as only he could with a movement of his eyes. Silently I felt he blessed me,” Mr. Kovind said.

The President said millions of homes across the country have felt the loss on Vajpayee’s demise.

“He was our much-loved former prime minister, a national leader of rare distinction and a statesman of modern India. In his long and distinguished public career, he touched innumerable lives in innumerable ways — as a freedom fighter and an intellectual, as a writer and a poet, as a parliamentarian and an administrator and finally as prime minister. He was truly the Renaissance Man of Indian politics,” Mr. Kovind said.

The loss of this large-hearted, larger-than-life leader will be felt not only in India but across the world, the president said.

As the Prime Minister of India, Atalji was an example of grace under pressure, and of decisive leadership in challenging circumstances, he said, adding the Pokhran (nuclear) tests of 1998, the Kargil crisis of 1999, the economic changes his government brought about, and the growth and development track on which it put our country’s GDP — his was a term rich in achievements and in legacy.

The Bharat Ratna conferred on him in 2015 was a fitting manifestation of India’s affection and gratitude, the president said and asserted that the loss of this large-hearted, larger-than-life leader will be sensed not only in India but across the world.

“Please once more accept my deepest condolences and convey these to the countless friends and admirers of Atalji. May the Almighty give you and other members of the family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss,” he said in the letter to Bhattacharya.



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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu paying floral tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vaajpayee, in New Delhi on August 16, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vaajpayee, in New Delhi on August 16, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vaajpayee, in New Delhi on August 16, 2018.
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The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh paying tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vaajpayee, in New Delhi on August 16, 2018.
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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman paying tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vaajpayee, in New Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre paying tributes to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vaajpayee, in New Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and other dignitaries at the funeral procession of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in New Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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A view of the funeral procession of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in New Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the family members of the former Prime Minister, Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in New Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind paying homage to the former Prime Minister, Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu laying wreath on the mortal remains of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu paying homage to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laying wreath on the mortal remains of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying homage to the former Prime Minister, Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Speaker, Lok Sabha, Smt. Sumitra Mahajan paying homage to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman laying wreath on the mortal remains of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre laying wreath on the mortal remains of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa laying wreath on the mortal remains of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba laying wreath on the mortal remains of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat laying wreath on the mortal remains of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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The Defence Secretary, Shri Sanjay Mitra laying wreath on the mortal remains of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at Smriti Sthal, in Delhi on August 17, 2018.
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President's Secretariat
17-August, 2018 19:48 IST
NO ‘CHANGE OF GUARD’ CEREMONY TOMORROW

The Change of Guard Ceremony on the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan will not to be held this Saturday (August 18, 2018) due to State Mourning.

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President's Secretariat
17-August, 2018 16:29 IST
President of India writes to Smt. Namita Kaul Bhattacharya on the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee; Atalji was truly the Renaissance Man of Indian Politics, writes President


The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, has written to Smt Namita Kaul Bhattacharya, conveying his condolences on the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India.

In his message, the President said, “My condolences at the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee; my heartfelt emotions are with you and others in the family in this moment of profound tragedy. Atalji’s death is of course a personal loss for you and others at home. It is also a personal loss for me. It was his stature and dignity that attracted me to public life, as I gave up the legal profession to become his colleague. Working with him was an unforgettable experience. Years later, when I called on him after being elected President of India, he was bed-ridden but responded as only he could with a movement of his eyes. Silently I felt he blessed me.

Atalji’s loss has also been felt in millions of homes across the country. He was our much loved former Prime Minister, a national leader of rare distinction and a statesman of modern India. In his long and distinguished public career, he touched innumerable lives in innumerable ways – as a freedom fighter and an intellectual, as a writer and a poet, as a parliamentarian and an administrator and finally as Prime Minister. He was truly the Renaissance Man of Indian politics.

As the Prime Minister of India, Atalji was an example of grace under pressure, and of decisive leadership in challenging circumstances. The Pokhran tests of 1998, the Kargil crisis of 1999, the economic changes his government brought about, and the growth and development track on which it put our country’s GDP – his was a term rich in achievements and in legacy. The Bharat Ratna conferred on him in 2015 was a fitting manifestation of India’s affection and gratitude. The loss of this large-hearted, larger-than-life leader will be sensed not only in India but across the world.

Please once more accept my deepest condolences and convey these to the countless friends and admirers of Atalji. May the Almighty give you and other members of the family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.

Hindi Version of the condolence letter

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Ministry of Tribal Affairs
17-August, 2018 19:13 IST
Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram recalls the immense contribution of Former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee towards tribal development

Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram has expressed profound grief on behalf of the entire Tribal community at the demise of Bharat Ratna and Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Recalling the immense contribution of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee towards Tribal Development, he said that it was through his efforts and under his leadership that after 52 years of attaining independence, a separate Tribal Affairs Ministry was set up on 10th October, 1999, through which the work of tribal welfare attained pace and momentum.

The Minister further added that Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a visionary leader who took several key initiatives for the welfare and development of people, and through such initiatives, the tribal populace of the country also benefitted immensely.

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Final journey: PM Modi and Amit Shah walking behind the vehicle carrying the body of A.B. Vajpayee . | Photo Credit: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...-politician/article24719616.ece?homepage=true


PM Modi follows cortege on foot, along with others
Cries of ‘Atal Bihari Amar Rahe’ rending the air, the nation bid farewell to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with full state honours on Friday, with his foster daughter Namita Bhattacharya lighting the pyre at Smriti Sthal in the capital.

The funeral was preceded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi joining the cortege on foot as Mr. Vajpayee’s body was brought from the BJP headquarters on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg — where it was kept for public homage — to the cremation site. People lined the route, showering rose petals and chanting ‘long live Vajpayee’ as tens of thousands of mourners took part in the procession. President Ram Nath Kovind, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu were among those who attended the funeral.

Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani, BJP president Amit Shah and Congress president Rahul Gandhi were in attendance as Vajpayee’s mortal remains were consigned to flames.

Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath, Nitish Kumar, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Vijay Rupani, and a host of foreign dignitaries also attended the funeral.

In keeping with military honours, the three service chiefs placed wreaths on the body of the former Prime Minister before others offered their floral tributes. The Tricolour wrapped around his coffin was removed and given to his foster granddaughter Niharika, after which the body was handed over to the family for last rites.

Many in the crowd broke down as the pyre was lit amid the chanting of Vedic hymns and a 21-gun salute by soldiers.

“We cannot believe that we are witnessing the last journey of one of our finest Prime Ministers. He was a politician who understood the need to take everyone along. There is no other leader like him,” said Poonam Devi, who had come from Agra to attend the ceremony at Smriti Sthal.

‘Loved by all’

Ashok Seth said he and his friends had reached the BJP headquarters in the morning itself since they wanted to be with their leader till the very end.

“We feel sad that India has lost a beloved gentleman politician who was loved by all. The common man can show his love by participating in his last journey and that is what we are doing here,” he said.

Mr. Vajpayee breathed his last at 5.05 p.m. on Thursday after spending nine weeks at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, where he was undergoing treatment for multiple health complications. He was 93.

(With agency inputs)


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Nirmala Sitharaman helps Manmohan Singh as Congress president Rahul Gandhi looks on. | Photo Credit: PTI

Leaders remember how Vajpayee maintained good relations with them
https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...ees-funeral/article24719180.ece?homepage=true

In death, as in life, veteran BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee played the role of a unifier as some of the top Opposition leaders, including Manmohan Singh, who became Prime Minister after him, and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, were among the first few leaders who arrived at his funeral.

Samajwadi Party (SP) stalwart Mulayam Singh was not only at the cremation but also visited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office to bid farewell to his long-time political opponent. Such tributes by ideological opponents, however, have also put into sharp focus a changing political culture, where a different political ideology generates adversarial relations.

“Mr. Vajpayee was infinitely more accommodating and large-hearted. He was not petty, vindictive or full of rage as the present dispensation. He was a product of the Nehruvian era,” senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.

Mr. Ramesh, who recently authored a book on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, rejected any suggestion that the “present dispensation” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was like the Congress under Mrs. Gandhi, when “brute parliamentary majority decided policy”.

“No. Indira Gandhi or Atal Bihari Vajpaye had many front or back channels. There was mutual respect,” he said, adding that it was not found in the current political discourse.

This seemed to be in evidence on Thursday. When the Congress chief’s microphone went silent while addressing the Sanjhi Viraasat (common heritage) convention in Delhi, Mr. Gandhi joked that BJP president Amit Shah had tried to “silence” him.

Senior leaders point out that even when the Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was in power, the Congress was a fierce opponent. The party had brought out a “chargesheet” against his government on defence scams such as the “coffin scam”, the Tehelka tapes and the allotment of government land to Sangh affiliates.

But politics did not result in any kind of personal animosity. “His warm personality and his gift of friendship won him admirers and friends across the political spectrum and from every walk of life,” former Congress president Sonia Gandhi said in her tribute to the former Prime Minister.

‘Credit where due’
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “He never hesitated to give full credit to Opposition leaders whenever due.” “It is not [to speak of] the fact that Vajpayeeji had many friends — the fact that he had no enemies was his distinguishing hallmark,” former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said.
 
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Room for all: A 2004 photo of then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee meeting leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Bilal Gani Lone, Abdul Gani Bhat, Maulana Abbas Ansari, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Fazal-Haq Qureshi, in New Delhi

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...kashmiriyat/article24720160.ece?homepage=true

Separatist, mainstream parties recollect with warmth their interaction with Vajpayee

Mainstream and separatist leaders on Thursday remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as “the lone leader in New Delhi who shunned the beaten track and looked at the Kashmir problem from a humanistic standpoint and not through the military prism for the first time in the past many decades”.

Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq recalls his first meeting with Vajpayee in 1997 in New Delhi when he struck a chord immediately.

“I still remember his words from our first meeting: ‘Aghar alaag bhi hona hai, bhaiyoon ki tarah hongee [Even if we have to separate, it has to be like brothers parting ways],” the Mirwaiz told The Hindu.

‘He let us talk to Pak.’

Crediting him with opening “a new chapter of hope in 2005 in Kashmir”, the Mirwaiz said his government at the Centre facilitated our leaders’ visit to Pakistan.

“He looked at Kashmir from the humanistic prism and not the military one. He even started educating the Indian masses on Kashmir, all alone. First time, we were allowed to talk to Pakistan. He believed that representatives of Kashmir should be given space to talk,” he said.

The Mirwaiz believes his political legacy still carries a window of opportunity. “Unfortunately, his policy was rolled back by the present regime.

It’s again the old approach that Kashmir is to be dealt with through the barrel of a gun. This regime buried Vajpayee’s legacy unceremoniously,” the Mirwaiz added.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Nayeem Akhtar said Vajpayee stunned his own Cabinet colleagues and senior officials from Delhi when he decided to extend a hand of friendship to Pakistan from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir in 2003.

“Mufti Muhammad Sayeed accompanied him from the airport to the venue in Srinagar. He listened to Mr. Sayeed’s approach patiently and decided to change his speech and reach out to Pakistan immediately,” Mr. Akhtar said.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and vice-president Omar Abdullah, in a joint statement, said, “Vajpayee’s golden words on Kashmir would be remembered for all times to come,” referring to his famous phrase of resolving the Kashmir issue within the ambit of humanity.

“His template is for others to follow and imbibe. He still remains as one of the few politicians who have a huge fan following in Kashmir,” Dr. Abdullah said.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti described him as “a crusader of peace who understood Kashmir and initiated a series of confidence building measures.” “He will be remembered for not following the beaten track.”

From mainstream to separatist parties, Mr. Vajpayee’s phrases like resolve the Kashmir problem within ‘Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat, Insaniyat’ still find resonance across the board.


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Atal Bihari Vajpayee in traditional Naga attire in 2003. | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...f-the-nagas/article24720111.ece?homepage=true

Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924-2018)

The former Prime Minister’s choice of words at a public reception in Kohima in 2003, endeared him to the people who had never thought highly of “Indian” leaders.

Six Prime Ministers have visited Nagaland. But none of them, including Narendra Modi, has found as much space in the heart of the Nagas as Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

It was not just because Vajpayee was the first Prime Minister to recognise the “unique history of the Nagas” and provide a development package. His choice of words at a public reception in the State capital Kohima on October 28, 2003, endeared him to the people who — because of years of separatism — had never thought highly of “Indian” leaders.

His opening line in Nagamese, the State’s lingua franca, translated into: “My dear brothers and sisters, I am very happy to be in your midst on the soil of Nagaland.”

“For too long, this fair land has been scarred and seared by violence ... My government has been doing everything possible to stop this bloodshed, so that we can together inaugurate a new era of peace, development and prosperity in Nagaland,” he said.

Abu Metha, a leader of the party Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio belongs to, was the editor of a local daily when Mr. Vajpayee visited the State that year. He recalled how he took a split-second decision to travel by road to Kohima from Dimapur when the helicopter trip was called off because of bad weather.

“This decision by the Prime Minister to come to Kohima by road and travel for close to two hours has, indeed, won the hearts of the Naga people in more ways than one.

While on the bumpy road, Mr. Vajpayee passed instructions for the road to be converted into four-lane.

The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland also recalled the role Mr. Vajayee played in taking the Naga peace process forward. “During his leadership, the unique history and situation of the Nagas was officially recognised by the Government of India on July 11, 2002,” it said on Thursday.

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Atal Bihari Vajpayee funeral: South Asia united in grief, in attendance at Smriti Sthal

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Final moments: Family members and political leaders at the funeral of the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi on Friday.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...mriti-sthal/article24719836.ece?homepage=true

King of Bhutan and special envoys from the South Asian neighbours lead the diplomatic delegation at the funeral.

The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and special envoys from the South Asian neighbours led the diplomatic delegation at the funeral of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi on Friday.

Foreign Minister of Nepal Pradeep Gyawali, Pakistani Minister of Justice Syed Ali Zafar, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Abul Hassan Mahmud Ali, and former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai were among those who attended the last rites at Smriti Sthal.

President Vladmir Putin of Russia extended his condolences on the demise of the leader and remembered Vajpayee for his ‘personal contribution’ to India-Russia bilateral ties.

“He will be remembered as a politician who made a great personal contribution to the development of friendly relations between our countries and the development of Russian-Indian highly privileged strategic partnership,” the Russian leader said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924-2018): A storied career with poetic flourishes

Mr. Karzai sat through the funeral alongside Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kiriella and met a cross section of dignitaries in attendance. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Karzai said, “Mr. Vajpayee had a very straightforward and strong policy with Afghanistan. He was the first to offer us civilian planes, Airbuses at the time we were starting out.” Mr. Karzai was the first Afghan President to work with Prime Minister Vajpayee after the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj welcomed the visiting dignitaries before the funeral began at 4 p.m. as messages poured in from the global capitals.

President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena said in his message that Vajpayee was a “true friend of Sri Lanka”. The Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmud Ali conveyed personal condolences from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Ms. Swaraj. Ms. Hasina described Mr. Vajpayee as one of the “most famous sons of India”, said, “Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was our great friend and highly respected in Bangladesh.”

Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli extended condolences, and said that in Vajpayee’s death, Nepal had lost a “true friend and well-wisher.”

Nepal’s Foreign Minister handed over Mr. Oli’s letter of condolence to Indian officials.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan’s acting Law and Information Minister Syed Ali Zafar during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cremation at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in New Delhi on August 17, 2018. | Photo Credit: PTI

Pakistan Minister Syed Ali Zafar’s message would have left Vajpayee happy

New Delhi, August 18, 2018 00:30 IST
Updated: August 18, 2018 00:30 IST

Visiting acting Law and Information Minister says there is a thaw in India-Pakistan relations.

The decision to send a Pakistani delegation to attend former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s funeral was taken by “all stakeholders” including Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan, said visiting acting Law and Information Minister Syed Ali Zafar. “This was an occasion where all felt that Pakistan must be present and share your grief,” Mr. Zafar, who is part of the caretaker government demitting office, said in an interview to The Hindu.

Positive move

“A very positive move and hopes of a thaw came during Mr. Imran Khan’s speech after the election and then the call by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi [to congratulate Mr. Khan] changed the mood positively.”

Mr. Zafar met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, one of the very few meetings she has had with Pakistani officials since her visit to Islamabad in December 2015, after which the Pathankot airbase attack derailed ties.

The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said the two leaders had remembered a “visionary (Vajpayee) who dreamed [of a] terror-free and prosperous subcontinent,” a reference to India’s demand that Pakistan end support to terror groups.

Recites poem

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mr. Zafar, who recited Mr. Vajpayee’s poem from his visit to Lahore in 1999, “Jung nahin hone denge (We won’t allow a war)”, also said that he hoped there would be other “less sad” meetings when “[India-Pakistan] issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, will be resolved through dialogue.”

Asked if tensions between the two countries had been discussed in his meeting with Ms. Swaraj, Mr. Zafar replied, “This was not the occasion to discuss issues of a political nature.”

“Our meeting was positive, and I sensed a feeling from both sides that there could be progress, and I hope that in the coming days we could see more such meetings and progress,” Mr. Zafar, who flew back to Islamabad on Friday night, added.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks on at the burning funeral pyre of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi on August 17, 2018. | Photo Credit: AFP

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...karmabhoomi/article24719898.ece?homepage=true

Ashes to be immersed in 150 places in Uttar Pradesh.
The ashes of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be immersed in the major rivers of all the districts of Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government has decided.

The Chief Minister took the decision taking into view ‘public sentiments’ so that the “people get a chance to associate with the final journey” of the former PM, a government spokesperson said on Friday.

“Uttar Pradesh was former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji’s karmabhoomi. He had a deep connect with every part of Uttar Pradesh,” Mr. Adityanath said.

The ashes would be immersed at over 150 places in rivers across the State. This would include the Yamuna in Agra and Allahabad, the Ganga in Varanasi, Allahabad and Kanpur, Gomti in Lucknow and Ghagra in Gorakhpur. The State has 75 districts.

The State government has also indicated that it would build memorials in honour of Mr. Vajpayee, also a five-time MP from the Uttar Pradesh capital, in places closely associated with him.

The list includes Mr. Vajpayee’s ancestral village Bateshwar in Agra; Kanpur, where he studied political science at the DAV College; Balrampur, Mr. Vajpayee’s first Lok Sabha seat that he won in 1957 and Lucknow, his ‘karmabhoomi.’

Mr. Vajpayee was a five-time MP from the Uttar Pradesh capital, holding the seat from 1991 to 2009, during the peak of his political life

Even after he drifted away from the mainstream politics, his persona continued to dominate the electoral politics in Lucknow.

and with his blessings his close aide Lalji Tandon won the seat in 2009.

In 2014, too, Mr. Vajpayee’s legacy was a key point in the battle for Lucknow where the BJP’s Rajnath Singh, today Union Home Minister, went head to head with Rita Bahuguna Joshi, then with the Congress. Today, she is a Cabinet Minister in BJP-ruled UP.

During the 2014 polls, Mr. Singh regularly evoked Mr. Vajpayee’s legacy in his speeches and sabhas, but the highlight of the campaign was when he flaunted the angvastram (stole) gifted to him by the former PM during his nomination.

In response, Ms. Joshi roped in Karuna Shukla, Mr. Vajpayee’s niece, to campaign for her.

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https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...ays-jaitley/article24719198.ece?homepage=true

‘A product of parliamentary democracy’

Union Minister Arun Jaitley has described former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a product of parliamentary democracy who accepted criticism, and as the “quintessential gentleman.”

“Atalji’s demise is referred to by many as the end of an era. I, however, consider it as a continuation of the era of which he was one who laid the foundation,” he said in a blog on Mr. Vajpayee under whom he served as a Minister in the first NDA government.

“In the world’s largest democracy, only the Congress dominated in the first few decades. Atalji created an alternative, which in the last two decades became larger and bigger than the Congress. Along with [L.K.] Advaniji, he created a second line of leaders both at the Centre and in the States,” he wrote. “He was always at ease dealing with both friends and opponents and had never allowed himself to get into any petty controversy.”

He said the Pokhran nuclear test in 1998 was a defining moment of his government and he went out of the way to work for peace with Pakistan. “But when the need arose, he inflicted a severe blow on it [Pakistan] in Kargil. Both Pokhran and Kargil were his high points.”

On the economic front, Mr. Jaitley called Mr. Vajpayee a liberaliser, pointing to the National Highways, rural roads, better infrastructure, a new telecom policy that was pragmatic and a new electricity law.

Above all, Mr. Jaitley added, “Atalji was a democrat. His political style was liberal. He bore no malice. He communicated even with those who disagreed [with him].”

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Atal Bihari Vajpayee greets his successor Manmohan Singh at the National Integration Council meeting in New Delhi on August 31, 2005. | Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...ed-nehrus-vision-of-india/article24710747.ece

Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924-2018)
The former Prime Minister says his predecessor was committed to a consensus approach in politics.
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee stood among the tallest leaders of modern India, his successor Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said in an interview. Dr. Singh said both he and Mr. Vajpayee carried forward each other’s policies on economic liberalisation and ties with the U.S. and Pakistan. Excerpts:

What does the passing of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee mean for the nation?
Vajpayeeji was truly a great Indian and a great Prime Minister, and his idea of India, I found in many ways was close to Nehru’s vision of India, and that’s the legacy I feel should be preserved. Political differences will be there, but Nehru’s vision of India, both in domestic policies and international affairs, was something Vajpayeeji also subscribed to.

But Mr. Vajpayee differed with Mr. Nehru and Nehruvian ideals on many counts, primarily on domestic politics. What do you think was the similar chord?
I think in politics, people should not be judged by what they say, but what they do, and in terms of actions, the approaches of these two great men were not very different.

What were your own relations with him?
I had developed good relations with Mr. Vajpayee when I was Finance Minister. I used to consult him and I believe both he and Advaniji were in sympathy with the liberalisation policies that I was advocating. And on important occasions, like when I presented the Budget for 1992, and fertiliser prices were a big issue, he rescued me in Parliament. Once, when I had a very rough time in Parliament, he called me, and said, ‘Dr. Singh, one ought to have a thick skin. Even if we don’t support you, you must stay strong on your path,’ he said.

Is that kind of bonhomie now also a thing of the past?
Well, he was truly committed to a consensus approach to politics. That legacy is now in danger, and the challenge before the country is how not to do what will hurt the legacies of Jawaharlal Nehru and A.B. Vajpayee.

You spoke about Mr. Vajpayee taking forward your legacy of economic liberalisation, but you also took forward some of Mr. Vajpayee’s initiatives…
In two areas — relations with the United States, and ties with Pakistan, I took more or less the same line as Mr. Vajpayee had taken. The Vajpayee government started the process of reaching out to the U.S. after our nuclear explosion in Pokharan, but those discussions broke down. When I became PM, I said to our officials that that is a path we must pursue. On Pakistan, I was in great sympathy with Atalji’s approach to make peace. Atalji’s approach in dealing with the internal dissensions in the Kashmir valley, were best summed up by his slogan: Insaniyat, Jumhooriyat, Kashmiriyat, which should be our norm.

Mr. Vajpayee also travelled to Pakistan for the SAARC summit…
I think that relations in our neighbourhood, and that includes China, are important for India to realise its chosen destiny. It was ahead of Mr. Vajpayee’s visit that President Musharraf promised that Pakistan would not allow its territory to be used by terrorists. Frankly, without that statement, without Mr. Vajpayee’s visit, I would never have been able to proceed with my efforts in normalising relations.

Were there also confrontations with him?
Well, I spoke to him intensively about what we were doing with the nuclear deal with the US. I called on Mr. Vajpayee, wrote him a letter but by then the BJP had decided to try and defeat our government. While I think they had no serious objections to the deal or normalising relations with the US, they did not want the Congress to take the credit for it perhaps.

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‘Dominated Oppn. space like a titan’
Former President Pranab Mukherjee described Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a titan, while Congress president Rahul Gandhi said, “India has lost a great son who was loved and respected by millions.”

In keeping with the stature of the former Prime Minister, even political rivals were effusive in their praise. In a letter to Mr. Vajpayee’s foster daughter Namita, Mr. Mukherjee wrote, “A democrat to the core, Atalji dominated the Opposition space like a titan and led the Government with aplomb. An inheritor and practitioner of the best traditions and qualities of leadership, in his demise the nation has lost a great son. An era that will always be fondly remembered has passed away.”

The Congress chief, who was among the first few political leaders to have visited him at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, said, “Today India lost a great son. Former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family & all his admirers. We will miss him.”

Leaders remembered the former Prime Minister’s ability to build consensus as a hallmark of his politics. Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said it was Mr. Vajpayee who didn’t allow the BJP to go extreme right.

“He led his party to its first victory in national elections and established the credentials of the BJP to run the Central government… As long as he was at the helm, he resolutely anchored the BJP close to the middle and did not allow the party to swing to the extreme right of the political spectrum,” he said.

He noted that among many things, Mr. Vajpayee’s long lasting legacy will be his genuine efforts to resolve the decades-long hostility between Pakistan and India

Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “He never hesitated in giving full credit to his Opposition party leaders whenever due.”

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https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...nalists-for-the-last-time/article24710673.ece

Ill-health forced an unexpected exit of party stalwart from the political stage.
It was almost 11 years ago, in 2007, that Atal Bihari Vajpayee made his last public appearance in a brief meeting with a few journalists, who had gathered at his residence on December 25 to wish him on his birthday.

The key question for mediapersons that day was whether Mr. Vajpayee was ready for another fight in 2009 or would his deteriorating health ensure his retirement from active politics and see the rise of L. K. Advani as the party’s unchallenged leader.

A group of about 10 journalists sought out BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain amid a crowd of frenzied, supporters at Mr. Vajpayee’s 8, Krishna Menon Marg residence and urged him to facilitate a meeting.

Mr. Hussain assured the journalists that he would arrange a short meeting with the ailing leader. And minutes later, the brief meeting materialised.

As we queued up to enter his room, we were asked to just wish him and leave.

As we entered his room, it was a very different Mr. Vajpayee who faced us. He sat on a chair, one hand almost immovable, his face pale and lined — age and ailment starkly visible — without the trademark wide smile.

We gathered around him in a circle, just getting to wish him. The politician, once famed for his oratory, just whispered “namaskar” to each of us.

And the meeting ended.

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The former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at a meeting on the sharing of Cauvery waters, in New Delhi on October 28, 1998.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...political-message-in-1984/article24710371.ece
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924-2018)
He had a bond with Karnataka; was arrested in the city after Emergency was declared
Na dainyam, na palayanam (Neither do I beg for mercy, nor do I run away). This famous phrase was quoted by Bharatiya Janata Party veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1984 to instil confidence in the cadre of the party which had been reduced to just two MPs in the Lok Sabha elections amid the pro-Congress wave after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Senior leaders and functionaries of the BJP recollect that Mr. Vajpayee had said this after visiting the family of a party worker from Bhadravati in Shivamogga district who had committed suicide following the party’s miserable poll performance.

This was a morale booster for rebuilding the party. Since then it has become almost a tradition for party leaders to refer to this phrase and the circumstances in which it was used whenever the party finds itself in a demoralising situation.

Arrest during Emergency

Mr. Vajpayee always had a bond with Bengaluru and Karnataka as he used to visit the State regularly. In fact, like many of his party colleagues, he too was arrested on June 26, 1975 in Bengaluru following the declaration of the Emergency. Though he was first lodged in the Bengaluru Central Jail, he was later shifted out of the State.

According to the book My Country My Life written by BJP veteran L.K. Advani, Mr. Vajpayee underwent an operation for appendicitis in Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru when he had been imprisoned.

But only after the operation was over, it was discovered that the intense pain he was suffering from was owing to another ailment, according to the book. He was later shifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.

Party old timers remember how Mr. Vajpayee, during his several visits, toured the State in a car along with leaders such as V.S. Acharya and B.B. Shivappa.

During all his visits to the State, he left behind an indelible impression owing to his simplicity and statesmanship. Recalling one of his visits to the State, when he was put up in the government guest house Kumara Krupa, a BJP functionary said, “There was darkness because of power supply problem when he wanted to shave early in the morning before leaving for New Delhi. He shaved in candlelight. He could not get hot water for bath. Not willing to miss the flight, he took bath in cold water on that chilly morning. Before leaving the guest house, he instructed the party functionaries not to take up the matter with any higher-ups. ‘Such lapses do happen in any government guest house. We should not make an issue out of it,’ he had remarked.”

He was always appreciative of the manner in which Bengaluru city had carved a niche for itself owing to its technical excellence. He had voiced this during his visit to Bengaluru as the Prime Minister by saying, “Let many a Bengaluru bloom.”

https://www.thehindu.com/news/inter...ce-of-ties-with-us-pompeo/article24713171.ece
Pompeo recalled that Vajpayee had famously characterized U.S.-India ties as a “natural partnership of shared endeavors” in his speech to the U.S Congress in 2000.

A B Vajpayee had recognized the promise of India-U.S ties, the U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tribute to the first BJP Prime Minister of India. “He recognized early on that the United States and India, based on their shared democratic values, could develop a partnership that would contribute to the economic prosperity and security of the region and the world,” Mr. Pompeo said in a statement. He recalled that Vajpayee had famously characterized U.S.-India ties as a “natural partnership of shared endeavors” in his speech to the U.S Congress in 2000.

“On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of India on the recent passing of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” the Secretary of State, who is scheduled to travel to India next month for the first 2+2 dialogue between the two countries said.

“We know that many Indians will reflect on Prime Minister Vajpayee’s many contributions that led to India’s rise as a global and economic power. He championed tirelessly for his country’s development and demonstrated a devotion to improving the lives of every Indian. Today, our two countries and our bilateral relationship continue to benefit from Prime Minister Vajpayee’s vision, which helped promote expanded cooperation. The American people and I stand with the people of India as we mourn Prime Minister Vajpayee’s passing. Today, we hold the people of India in our thoughts and prayers,” Mr. Pompeo said.

Photos: Thousands accompany Vajpayee on final journey to Smriti Sthal
Aug 17, 2018 18:05 IST

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BJP President Amit Shah pays his last respects to Atal Bihari Vajpayee as he pays last respects at BJP headquarters, in New Delhi. A seven-day state mourning has been announced as a mark of respect for the former Prime Minister who passed away aged 93. (Kamal singh / PTI)
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A massive crowd of followers and mourners joins the cortege as it moves from the BJP headquarters down Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg. The former PM’s mortal remains are being taken to Smriti Sthal. (SAnchit Khanna / HT Photo)
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President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah along with other leaders, paid their last respect to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The last rites were performed by Vajpayee’s foster daughter Namita Bhattarcharya at the Smriti Sthal on the banks of Yamuna with full state honours. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) lays a wreath next to the body of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi. Three-time Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee died August 16, sparking tributes from across the political spectrum as current leader Narendra Modi mourned the "irreplaceable loss" of the respected statesman. (PIB / AFP)
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The cortege carrying the mortal remains of Atal Bihari Vajpayee leaves from his Krishna Menon Marg residence towards BJP headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg for the last rites. People were heard chanting ‘Atal Bihari amar rahe’, ‘Vande Mataram’ as Vajpayee’s final journey began. (SAnchit Khanna / HT Photo)
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Traffic restrictions on several roads in Delhi are in place to ensure a smooth movement with citizens advised to take alternate routes as thousands of mourners are expected to reach central Delhi to pay homage to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)
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The cortege crosses Tilka Marg crossing. Hours after the announcement of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s death, officials from the North Delhi Municipal Corporation received the first set of directions — to arrange sandalwood and sweep the route from the BJP headquarters to the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, where the last rites of the former PM will be held. (Vipin Kumar / HT Photo)
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The cortege and bier arrive at BJP headquarters. Delhi BJP leaders have said around 50,000-60,000 party members would be present at the party headquarters. Civic authorities are expecting around 1-2 lakh people assembling to pay homage. (Mohd Zakir / HT Photo)
 
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...ar-ki-pairi/article24730612.ece?homepage=true
Top leaders including UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present

Haridwar, August 19, 2018 15:51 IST
Updated: August 19, 2018 15:54 IST

A huge crowd converged at Har ki Pairi here on Sunday to bid final farewell to their beloved leader and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as his ashes were immersed in the Ganga by family members and BJP leaders.

Top party leaders including BJP president Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his Uttarakhand counterpart Trivendra Singh Rawat, his adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya and other family members of Vajpayee were present as the urn carrying his ashes was emptied into the river amid chanting of vedic hymns.

A platform had been especially raised at Brahmakund below the stairs leading into the river where the rituals were performed.

Earlier, a sea of humanity followed the flower bedecked truck that carried Vajpayee’s urn through the narrow 2 km stretch in reverence to the departed leader.

The convoy started from Bhalla college ground and went to Har ki Pairi with a host of party leaders and family members in attendance.

People were also seen standing on the balconies and rooftops to witness the slow passage of the convoy carrying the urn through overcrowded streets.

Vajpayee’s son in law Ranjan Bhattacharya carried the urn through the surging crowds to Brahmakund (Har ki Pairi) where it was later immersed in the Ganga amid elaborate rituals performed by “Teerth purohits” (priests) and the cries of “Atal Ji Amar Rahein” rent the air.

The rituals lasted around 20 minutes as a huge crowd waited at the ghats on either side of the river to witness the process in total reverence.

It was during Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister that Uttarakhand was granted Statehood in 2000.

As the Prime Minister, he had also ensured that the newly created hill State got a special status to facilitate its speedy industrialisation and growth.

Elaborate security arrangements was made from Jollygrant airport to Har ki Pairi in view of the VIP movement along the route.

Over one thousand police and PAC personnel were deployed to maintain vigil and law and order during the immersion of ashes.
 
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Prime Minister's Office
20-August, 2018 19:42 IST
PM addresses prayer meeting in memory of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed a prayer meeting in New Delhi, organized in memory of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away recently.

He said that how long our life is, is not in our hands, but we can determine ‘how’ our life will be. He said that Atal ji showed through his life, how life should be, and what its purpose should be. He said Atal ji lived each moment for the common man. Right from youth till the time the physical body supported him, he lived for the country, the Prime Minister added. He said Atal ji lived for the countrymen, for his principles, and for the aspirations of the common man.

The Prime Minister noted that Vajpayee ji spent most of his political life at a time when there was virtually no alternative to the dominant political ideology. He said that despite facing isolation, he remained committed to his ideals. He stayed in opposition for so long, yet his ideals remained untouched, the Prime Minister said. Shri Narendra Modi said that Vajpayee ji respected Parliamentary traditions; and when the opportunity came, he implemented his vision for the benefit of the people.

In each moment you could feel the "Atal" in him, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister recalled that on May 11, 1998, he surprised the world through the nuclear tests. He attributed the success of these tests, to the skill of our scientists. And despite the widespread adverse reaction globally, Atal ji did not buckle under pressure, and showed the world that India is "Atal," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that three new states were formed, under Vajpayee ji's leadership, without any trace of bitterness. He said Vajpayee ji showed how to take everyone together in decision making.

The Prime Minister recalled that when Atal ji first formed the Government at the Centre, no one was willing to offer support, and the Government fell in 13 days. But Atal ji did not lose hope and remained committed to serving the people. He showed the way when it came to coalition politics, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that Vajpayee ji changed the global narrative on Kashmir. He highlighted the issue of terrorism, and brought it to the centrestage, globally.

The Prime Minister said that Atal ji shall remain an inspiration. He was away from public life and politics for over a decade; and yet there was such an outpouring of emotion at his passing. This shows his greatness, the Prime Minister said. He noted that the young Indian wrestler, Bajrang Punia, who may never have met Atal ji, dedicated his gold medal at the Asian Games yesterday, to Atal ji. What greater heights, and what greater success can a man achieve, the Prime Minister remarked.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying floral tributes at the portrait of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in New Delhi on August 20, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying homage at the portrait of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in New Delhi on August 20, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a prayer meeting in memory of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in New Delhi on August 20, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing a prayer meeting in memory of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in New Delhi on August 20, 2018.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at a prayer meeting in memory of the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in New Delhi on August 20, 2018.
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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
20-August, 2018 15:23 IST
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh pays homage to Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Dr. Jitendra Singh recalls contribution of Shri Vajpayee for the development of North Eastern Region; says Shri Vajpayee conceptualised a separate Ministry for Development of NER

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee during a homage meeting at the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region here today. Shri Vajpayee passed away on the 16th of this month. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra recalled Shri Vajpayee’s contribution to the development of North Eastern Region. Secretary of M/oDoNER, Shri Naveen Verma and Secretary of North Eastern Council (NEC), Shri Ram Muivah, senior officials of the Ministry and other staff members were present.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was perhaps the first Prime Minister who realised the significance of the North Eastern region and took several initiatives for the progress of the region. He said that Shri Vajpayee conceived of a separate Ministry for this purpose and initially set up a department for the development of NER. Dr. Jitendra Singh said under the prime ministership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a non-lapsable pool of funds for the North Eastern Region was set up, Sikkim included as a member of North Eastern Council, mobile phone connectivity launched in the region and also Prime Minister’s Gram Sarak Yojna expanded to benefit the NER.

The Union Minister said the present government under the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave further momentum to development of NER and the road, rail and air-connectivity has expanded in the region. He said, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has undertaken nearly 30 visits to the region and the present rapid development of the NER, is the best homage to Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee.

On the occasion, Secretary M/o DoNER, Shri Naveen Verma recalled several initiatives taken by Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee for the progress of NER. He said, Shri Vajpayee had underlined that there will never be any dearth of funds for taking the NE region forward.


The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh paying homage to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, in New Delhi on August 20, 2018.
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The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh paying homage to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, in New Delhi on August 20, 2018. The Secretary, DoNER, Shri Naveen Verma, the Secretary, NEC, Shri Ram Muivah and other officials are also seen.
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The Special Secretary (Border Management), Shri B.R. Sharma administering the “Sadbhavana Diwas” Pledge to Officers and Staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Department of Personnel & Training, in New Delhi on August 20, 2018.
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...-in-eight-rivers-in-state/article24754731.ece

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi handing over an urn with the ashes of the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee to State BJP president B.S. Yeddyurappa in New Delhi on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: PTI


Condolence meeting will be held in Bengaluru on Sunday
The ashes of the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died last week, will be immersed in eight rivers in Karnataka by the Bharatiya Janata Party State unit.

The party State unit leaders on Wednesday brought urns containing ashes to the party State headquarters in Bengaluru from New Delhi.

The urns, handed over to State president B.S. Yeddyurappa by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a programme held in New Delhi, were brought in a procession from the Kempegowda International Airport to the headquarters.

On Thursday, the ashes will be carried by road to Srirangapatna for immersion in the Cauvery, according to Mr. Yeddyurappa. A slew of senior leaders, including Mr. Yeddyurappa, will accompany the procession.

The ashes will also be immersed in the Netravathi, the Malaprabha, the Krishna, the Karanja, the Tungabhadra, the Sharavati and the Tunga on Friday while a condolence meeting will be held in Bengaluru on Sunday, he said.

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BJP State president K. Laxman, national general secretary of BJP P. Muralidhar Rao and senior leaders paying homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. | Photo Credit: Nagara Gopal

https://www.thehindu.com/news/citie...ash-brought-to-bjp-office/article24754889.ece
All the top Telangana Bharaitya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and functionaries paid their homage to the asthi kalash of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when they were placed inside the State party office here on Wednesday.

Led by TS party chief K. Laxman, the party leaders including national general secretary P. Muralidhar Rao, MLC N. Ramachandra Rao, MLA G. Kishan Reddy, Bandaru Dattatreya, Ch. Ramachandra Reddy, B. Bal Reddy and several others were at the office to pay their respects. Earlier, the ashes were brought by Telangana party chief K. Laxman from Delhi after receiving it from national president Amit Shah in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Thursday, one urn containing the ashes will be taken in a procession to Anantagiri in Vikarabad to be immersed in the Musi river while another urn will be taken to Vadapally in Nalgonda district to be immersed in the Krishna river, an official spokesman of the party said.
 
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
23-August, 2018 17:14 IST
Ashes of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee immersed at Kaunhara Ghat at Hajipur in Bihar by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan



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Ashes of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee immersed at Kaunhara Ghat at Hajipur in Bihar by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan



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Remembering Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shri Paswan says his stature was bigger than his position and said his core philosophy was‘’Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’’

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan today attended a condolence meeting held in remembrance of former Prime Minister and Jananayak Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Kaunhara Ghat at Hajipur in Bihar. After the condolence meeting, the ashes of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee were immersed in Ganga atthe Kaunhara Ghat.

Addressing the condolence meeting, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan said that stature of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was bigger than his position. Recalling Shri Vajpayee asa leader with foresight, Shri Paswan said his core philosophy was Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas and his stature was even higher than the Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna.


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Vice President's Secretariat
29-August, 2018 15:17 IST
Vajpayee - The Crown Jewel of Indian Politics: Vice President

Vajpayee infused values into politics, ushered in the connectivity revolution; Delivers Memorial Lecture on Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today paid glowing tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and described him as crown jewel of Indian politics.

At a memorial lecture organised by Pragna Bharati in Hyderabad, the Vice President said that Shri Vajpayee’s Parliamentary contribution, administrative acumen and oratory skills have left an indelible impact on millions of Indians. He was India’s most loving leader, a true patriot and nationalist, he added. The Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that Shri Vajpayeeji practiced politics of principles and infused values into politics. He further said that he propagated and promoted an alternative political thought and had succeeded in providing a real alternative to the ruling party. He sowed the seeds of coalition by heading a government of 23 parties and he proved to be an able leader who provided a stable government, he added.

The Vice President said that Shri Vajpayeeji was a consensus builder and an Ajata shatru who had no enemies. The fact that he united the entire political spectrum in his death showed why he was called Ajata Shatru. What made Vajpayeeji endearing to all countrymen was the way he related to different sections of the society, he added.

The Vice President said that India had not seen a great leader like Vajpayee who used to accept defeat with dignity and equanimity. He was a great orator and always held the audience spellbound and he used to employ pause with telling effect, he added.

The Vice President said that Shri Vajpayeeji was a path-finder who ushered in the connectivity revolution in the country and implemented far reaching reforms in Governance. Some of the transformational changes he introduced had strengthened Indian economy and unleashed the forces of growth, he added.

The Vice President said that Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Golden Quadrilateral project and political reforms of limiting the cabinet size to 15% of the legislature strength were among the game-changing initiatives taken during his regime.

The Vice President said that Shri Vajpayeeji was a steadfast leader in his resolve and could not be cowed down by any internal or external pressures. He further said that he enhanced India’s self-esteem through nuclear program. He had larger vision on the foreign policy and pursued multi-alignment in multi-polar world, he added.

The Vice President said that Shri Vajpayeeji after Pokhran-II, added Jai Vigyan to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ to encourage research and development and emphasize scientific development.

The Vice President said that he was a unique person with a rare blend of diverse talents and he was a complete man. He further said that his qualities of Vyakthithva (personality), Vakruthva (oratory), karthruthva (devotion to duty), mithruthva (camaraderie) combined in Nethruthva (leadership) will be remembered forever. He will be a source of tremendous inspiration for many generations to come, he added.



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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu paying homage to the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Hyderabad on August 29, 2018.
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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu releasing the souvenir at an event to deliver a memorial lecture on the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Hyderabad on August 29, 2018. The Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu delivering the memorial lecture on the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Hyderabad on August 29, 2018. The Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu delivering the memorial lecture on the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Hyderabad on August 29, 2018.
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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at an event to deliver a memorial lecture on the former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Hyderabad on August 29, 2018. The Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Mohammed Mahmood Ali and other dignitaries are also seen.
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Vice President's Secretariat
06-September, 2018 18:48 IST
Vice President visits Shri Vajpayee’s Residence

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has visited former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s residence today. Smt. Deepa Venkat, daughter of the Vice President also accompanied him.

The Vice President interacted with the family members of Shri Vajpayee and enquired about their well-being and also the post-ritual activities. He spent there about an hour at Shri Vajpayee’s residence.



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