This Article is From Aug 17, 2018

"Lost A Father Figure Today": PM Modi Mourns Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Death

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Dead: After the death of former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee, condolences for Mr Vajpayee have been pouring in. Delhi schools and government offices will remain closed tomorrow. Mr Vajpayee will be accorded a state funeral. A national 7-day mourning has also been announced.

'Lost A Father Figure Today': PM Modi Mourns Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Death

PM Narendra Modi said he lost a "father figure" after Atal Bihari Vajpayee died today

New Delhi:

India's former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has died at the age of 93. Mr Vajpayee had been on life-support since Wednesday night. The hospital said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition worsened over the past 24 hours. Mr Vajpayee was admitted to the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on June 11 with urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion. Atal Bihari Vajpayee debuted in parliament in 1962 after being elected to the Rajya Sabha. It was only nine years later that he won an election. He was elected to the Lok Sabha seven times.

He ruled the country for 13 days in 1996, 13 months in 1998 and for almost six years from 1999.

In his 47 years in parliament, the former prime minister captivated the nation with his dry wit and oratory, proving that no one could work the room quite like he could.

Here are the condolence messages on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death:

 

Aug 16, 2018 22:57 (IST)

Aug 16, 2018 22:56 (IST)

Aug 16, 2018 22:56 (IST)

Aug 16, 2018 22:30 (IST)
"A towering figure who stood for democratic values": Sonia Gandhi mourns Atal Bihari Vajpayee

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi today described former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a "towering figure" who stood for democratic values and demonstrated this commitment in all his acts, according to news agency PTI.

"Shri Vajpayee was a towering figure in our national life. Throughout his life, he stood for democratic values and demonstrated this commitment in all his acts, whether as a parliamentarian, a cabinet minister, or Prime Minister of India. He was a spell-binding orator, a leader of great vision, a patriot to the core for whom the national interest was paramount," Mrs Gandhi said.
Aug 16, 2018 22:14 (IST)
"Will miss your smiling face Baapji": Shahrukh Khan expresses grief over Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

Aug 16, 2018 22:06 (IST)
Route map for Atal Bihari Vajpayee's funeral


Aug 16, 2018 22:01 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee met 3 generations of Chinese leaders: Chinese envoy

Condoling former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said that the late Indian leader met three generations of Chinese leaders and credited him for taking the initiative of holding the special representative (SR)-level dialogue mechanism on the border issue between the two countries, according to news agency IANS.

"Shri Vajpayee met 3 generations of Chinese leaders," Luo tweeted on Thursday evening after Vajpayee, 93, passed away at AIIMS here following a prolonged illness.

Luo also shared pictures of Vajpayee with former Chinese Presidents Mao Tse Tung, Deng Xiaoping and then with Hu Jintao during a 2003 visit to China.

Aug 16, 2018 21:43 (IST)
"His mortal remains will be kept at his residence at Krishna Menon Marg till 8 am for paying tributes. Around 9 am., his mortal remains will be brought to BJP headquarters at 6-A Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg. His funeral procession will begin at 1 pm and the last rites will be performed at 4 pm at Smriti Sthal," BJP President Amit Shah said, according to news agency IANS.
Aug 16, 2018 21:37 (IST)
Memories Of Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Of Vanishing Gulab Jamuns And Madhuri Dixit
Such was Atal Bihari Vajpayee's love for food that it once took a wily plan by his aides to deploy Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit to draw him away from gulab jamun at an official lunch."

Senior journalist Rasheed Kidwai remembered how while attending an official lunch, the former prime minister headed to the food counter even though he was on a strict diet.
Aug 16, 2018 21:34 (IST)
LK Advani, Amit Shah are at Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence to pay their respects







Aug 16, 2018 21:20 (IST)
"He used to embrace me like a father": PM Modi expresses grief over Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

"In this time of huge loss, my thoughts are with his family and the people the country," PM Modi said.

"Whenever he met me, he used to embrace me like a father," he added.
Aug 16, 2018 21:16 (IST)
"Like Losing A Father": PM Modi expresses grief over Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

"He was a leader, orator, journalist, statesman and more than anything a true son of India. An era has ended. His death is an irreparable loss for the nation. For me personally, its like losing a father," PM Modi said.

"Atalji may have gone, but his ideas, views, simplicity will always inspire us Indians," he said.
Aug 16, 2018 21:12 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee: School, Offices Closed In Delhi, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh Punjab On Friday, 7-Day Mourning For Atal Bihari Vajpayee
The home ministry announcement, which formally notified state governments about Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death, did not declare a public holiday. The union cabinet later made an exception to the precedent, under which a holiday is only announced on the death of a sitting prime minister or president.

Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi have, however, announced a public holiday for Friday as a mark of respect to the former prime minister who was considered one of the country's most respected politicians.

In a departure from the standard protocol, the union cabinet also decided to close government offices in the national capital on Friday afternoon. An official said it had been decided to give half-day holiday on Friday afternoon, the day of the funeral.
Aug 16, 2018 21:06 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee To Be Cremated At Delhi's Smriti Sthal On Friday

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's body will be kept at his residence tonight.

His body will be taken to the BJP headquarters at around 9 am tomorrow morning from his residence.

From the BJP headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's body will be taken to Delhi's Smriti Sthal at around 1.30 pm in the afternoon.

The funeral will be held at 4 pm tomorrow.
Aug 16, 2018 20:50 (IST)
"Lost a dear friend," says Apollo Hospitals chairman, Dr Prathap Reddy, who treated him for an ailment

In a tribute, Founder-Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Dr Prathap Reddy recalled Vajpayee's kind and affectionate attitude when he detected and diagnosed a medical condition that required immediate intervention, according to news agency IANS.

"He recovered well and went on to become the Prime Minister. I also met him when he was unwell at his home. I have lost a dear friend," Dr Reddy said.
Aug 16, 2018 20:48 (IST)
"A beacon to inspire young politicians," says Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh mourned the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, describing him as a towering personality who would always remain a beacon to inspire the young politicians to tread the path of value-based politics, according to news agency IANS.

As a mark of respect, the Punjab government has declared that all its offices, boards, corporations and other public sector undertakings besides educational institutions would be closed on Friday.

The state government has also declared mourning in his memory on the lines of the central government.

In his condolence message, the Chief Minister said: "Atal ji was a multifaceted personality and a fine human being with the qualities of the head and heart."

Amarinder Singh termed him as a "true statesman, a great scholar, an eminent poet besides a heartthrob of millions of countrymen".
Aug 16, 2018 20:45 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Timeline

Key dates in the life of India's three-time prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, according to news agency AFP:

- December 25, 1924: Born in Gwalior, in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.

- 1942: Brief spell in prison for anti-British activities.

- 1957: Enters Indian Parliament for the first time.

- 1975-1977: Imprisoned for two years for opposing the state of emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

- March 1977: Minister of Foreign Affairs until July 1979.

- April 1980: Co-founds the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

- May 16, 1996: Becomes prime minister for the first time, lasting 13 days.

- March 19, 1998: Prime minister for the second time.

- May 1998: Organises nuclear tests in the Rajasthan desert.

- October 10, 1999: Wins third mandate to serve as prime minister.

- February 1999: Travels by bus to Lahore in Pakistan to meet his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.

- May 2004: Suffers shock election defeat, replaced by Manmohan Singh.

- 2009: Ends political career for health reasons.

- August 16, 2018: Dies in New Delhi at the age of 93.
Aug 16, 2018 20:42 (IST)
Himachal Pradesh to hold 7-day mourning in Himachal Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday declared seven days of state mourning owing to the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, according to news agency IANS.

The national flag would also fly at half mast.

The state also declared two-day public holiday for August 17 and 18 as a mark of respect, an official statement said.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said Atal Bihari Vajpayee always considered Himachal Pradesh his second home and owned a house at Prini in Kullu district, according to news agency IANS.
Aug 16, 2018 20:38 (IST)
"Shikhar Purush" of Indian politics and an ideal swayamsevak, says Amit Shah in his blog

BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday described former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as "shikhar purush" (topmost leader) of Indian politics who devoted every "second of his life to the country and the party", according to news agency IANS.

In a blog post, Mr Shah said Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an ideal swayamsevak, a dedicated worker and an effective speaker.
Aug 16, 2018 20:36 (IST)
"Tour de force for peace" :Film fraternity pays tributes to "selfless" Atal Bihari Vajpayee

" I'm saddened to hear the demise of a great statesman Shri Vajpayeeji. May his soul rest in peace," said actor Rajinikanth.

"RIP Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji. You will be remembered as one of India''s greatest leaders, as an exemplary statesman, as a tour de force for peace and unity and most of all as a genuine, warm, approachable human being," said actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar.

Actor Dhanush said he was "deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji".

Singer Adnan Sami expressed his grief at Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death, saying he was "a man of peace".

"Growing up in India in the 1980s and 1990s, one can never forget what a deep impact Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji made on us," said Dia Mirza.
Aug 16, 2018 20:31 (IST)
"He will be remembered fondly": Ratan Tata mourns Atal Bihari Vajpayee

"He will be remembered fondly by a vast number of us," Ratan Tata said.

Chairman of Tata Trusts Ratan N. Tata said Vajpayee was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humour, he added.
Aug 16, 2018 20:26 (IST)
"India has lost the pole star of Indian politics": Amit Shah

"When a person dies, the idea doesn't die, the revolution doesn't die, it only becomes stronger," BJP chief Amit Shah said.

"The void because of his death will be impossible to fill for a long time," he said. "Crores of youth have lost their inspiration," he added.

"India has lost the polar star of Indian politics," Amit Shah said.

Aug 16, 2018 20:24 (IST)
"Irreparable loss for BJP," says Amit Shah

"Today, I believe that for BJP, it's an irreparable loss," BJP chief Amit Shah said at a press conference, expressing his condolences for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"I express my pain on behalf of crores of BJP workers in India and abroad. We pledge to fulfill the work he started," he said.

"At many occasions be it the fight against Emergency, be it to raise voice for empowering Kashmir in UN, be it rising above party politics during the Bangladesh war, the proliferation of Hindi across the country, Atalji played important roles," Mr Shah added.
 
Aug 16, 2018 20:22 (IST)
Used to call him "Dadda": Lata Mangeshkar mourns former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

"I considered him as a father figure, and he treated me like his daughter. I used to address him as ''Dadda''. Today I feel the same loss and pain as I felt when my father had passed away," Lata Mangeshkar said, according to news agency IANS.
Aug 16, 2018 20:19 (IST)
State funeral for Atal Bihari Vajpayee to be held in Delhi's Smriti Sthal

A state funeral for Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be held in Delhi's Smriti Sthal, according to news agency PTI.

There will also be a half day holiday on the day of funeral in all central government offices, according to PTI.
Aug 16, 2018 20:15 (IST)
Public holiday has been declared by the Uttar Pradesh government

A public holiday has also been declared tomorrow by UP government, according to news agency ANI.

Aug 16, 2018 20:12 (IST)
"First Prime Minister to understand the agony of our people": Mehbooba Mufti mourns Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

"The demise of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is not only a loss for the country, it is big loss for the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Ms Mufti said.

"He was the first Prime Minister to understand the agony of our people," she added.
Aug 16, 2018 20:01 (IST)
Van with Atal Bihari Vajpayee's body leaves AIIMS, being taken to his residence

A van carrying the body of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has left AIIMS. Mr Vajpayee's body is being taken to his residence.

Aug 16, 2018 19:55 (IST)
His ashes will be spread in every river in UP to respect his grand stature: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

On Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said he worked in the "national interest rather than personal interest. He brought a political stability to our country."

"His ashes will be spread in every river in UP to respect his grand stature," he added.
Aug 16, 2018 19:52 (IST)
Schools in Delhi will be closed tomorrow to mourn former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

Schools in Delhi will be closed to mourn former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said in a tweet.

"All Delhi govt offices, schools and other institutions shall remain closed tomorrow, as mark of respect for our dear departed Sh Atal ji," Mr Sisodia tweeted.


Aug 16, 2018 19:46 (IST)
"US grieves with India": US Consulate mourns Atal Bihari Vajpayee

The US Consulate has expressed grief over former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death in a statement issued by them.

"The United States grieves with India on the loss of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. He will be remembered for his immense contribution in bolstering U.S.-India relations," the statement said.

"During his tenure, Prime Minister Vajpayee advocated for a robust partnership with the United States, referring to us as "natural allies."

"The US Mission in India extends our deepest condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Vajpayee and the citizens of India," the statement added.
Aug 16, 2018 19:39 (IST)
Preparations underway at Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence, where his body will be brought shortly: ANI

Preparations underway at the residence of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, where his mortal remains will be brought shortly, according to news agency ANI.
Aug 16, 2018 19:37 (IST)
When former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee met Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Aug 16, 2018 19:35 (IST)
Schools in Delhi will be closed to mourn former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death.
Aug 16, 2018 19:28 (IST)
7-day national mourning announced, Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be given state funeral

The central government has announced seven day state mourning throughout India, during this period the national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India where its regularly flown, according to news agency ANI. A state funeral will also be accorded.
Aug 16, 2018 19:23 (IST)
Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar said he was "deeply pained" over former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death.

"Deeply pained by the passing away of our beloved Atal ji. India has lost a great leader, a leader of masses and a visionary who dedicated his entire life in service of the nation and its people," Mr Parrikar tweeted.
Aug 16, 2018 18:58 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee's body will be kept at BJP headquarters in Delhi tomorrow for last tributes
Aug 16, 2018 18:56 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee's body is currently in the process of being embalmed
Aug 16, 2018 18:53 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Was My Closest Friend For 65 Years: LK Advani
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was hospitalised at Delhi's AIIMS hospital for nine weeks, died today. He was 93. In a moving tribute, his closest friend and deputy for nearly six decades, senior BJP leader LK Advani, said "Atalji will be remembered as the pioneer of the first ever stable non-Congress coalition government at the Centre and I had the privilege of working as his deputy for six years."
Aug 16, 2018 18:42 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Died At 5:05 PM: Full Statement By AIIMS Hospital
Former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was admitted to AIIMS with a kidney tract infection and chest congestion on June 11, died this evening just past 5 pm. He was 93 years old. His death was confirmed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences."
Aug 16, 2018 18:42 (IST)
What Atal Bihari Vajpayee Said to NDTV On Babri Masjid Demolition (Aired: 1992)What Atal Bihari Vajpayee Said to NDTV On Babri Masjid Demolition (Aired: 1992)

What Atal Bihari Vajpayee Said to NDTV On Babri Masjid Demolition (Aired: 1992) | NDTV.com Video | In an interview to NDTV's Prannoy Roy in 1992, Mr Vajpayee called the demolition of Babri Masjid "unfortunate". "What happened in Ayodhya on December 6th was very unfortunate. It should not have happened. We tried to prevent it, but did not succeed. We are sorry for that," he said."
Aug 16, 2018 18:42 (IST)
"Great Loss For India": Arvind Kejriwal Mourns Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today, saying his death was "a great loss" for the country."
Aug 16, 2018 18:40 (IST)
Sharad Pawar expresses "heartfelt condolences" on Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

In a statement on Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death, Sharad Pawar has expressed his condolences on Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death.

"The National President of Nationalist Congress Party, Shri Sharad Pawar expresses his heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of former Prime Minister of India Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee," the statement said.

"Shri Pawar prays to the God to rest the soul in peace and give enough strength to the bereaved family members," it added.
Aug 16, 2018 18:34 (IST)
Dr Randeep Guleria, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's doctor, Dr Arti Vij and Health Minister JP Nadda have gone to the Directors office to meet.

Mr Vajpayee's body will likely be moved in a gray van out of AIIMS.
Aug 16, 2018 18:33 (IST)
"Great loss for India": Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal mourns Atal Vihari Vajpayee's death

Arvind Kejriwal has mourned former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death, saying he was "greatly saddened".

Arvind Kejriwal, who turned 50 on Thursday, had visited AIIMS along with his deputy Manish Sisodia to enquire about the health of Mr Vajpayee, who was critical, according to news agency IANS.
Aug 16, 2018 18:30 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee's body will be taken to his residence, Rajnath Singh has said.
Aug 16, 2018 18:23 (IST)
"India lost a great son, we will miss him": Rahul Gandhi condoles PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

In a tweet, Rahul Gandhi mourned former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death in a tweet.

"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," Rahul Gandhi said in the tweet.
Aug 16, 2018 18:18 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Dies: The 3-Time PM Who Captivated India With His Oratory
Atal Bihari Vajpayee's sparkling oratory was on display when he spoke about the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests under his leadership. "It is surprising that people are criticizing the nuclear tests. When in 1974 then prime minister Indira Gandhi had carried out the tests, we welcomed it even while we were in the opposition. Was there any threat to the nation at the time," he said in parliament.
Aug 16, 2018 18:15 (IST)
"Personal, irreplaceable loss for me": PM Modi mourns Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

"Atal Ji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me," PM Modi said in a tweet in Hindi, according to news agency AFP.

"It was Atal Ji's exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century," he added.

Aug 16, 2018 18:11 (IST)
Rahul Gandhi, Rajinikanth, Mamata Banerjee, M Venkaiah Naidu, Pranab Mukherjee, Suresh Prabhu, others mourn Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

Aug 16, 2018 17:52 (IST)
"End of an era" PM Modi mourns Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death


Aug 16, 2018 17:50 (IST)

Aug 16, 2018 17:49 (IST)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoles former Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death

Aug 16, 2018 17:48 (IST)
No, Atal-ji Was Not Secular Or "In The Wrong Party" - By Ashutosh

Atal-ji for me will remain the quintessential gentleman-politician, a man whose every inch was rooted in Indian-ness. He was the Ajatshatru of Indian politics."
Aug 16, 2018 17:48 (IST)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Dies: The 3-Time PM Who Captivated India With His Oratory

In 1957, a first-timer's debut speech in parliament so impressed then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru that he predicted, while introducing the young politician to a foreign dignitary, "this young man will one day become prime minister". Atal Bihari Vajpayee did so, thrice."
Aug 16, 2018 17:46 (IST)
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee dies at age 93. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind condoled Mr Vajpayee's death.
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