The Prime Minister pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of his 99th birth anniversary.

December 25, 2023

The Prime Minister expressed heartfelt admiration and respect for Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 99th birth anniversary. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a prominent political figure in India, left an indelible mark on the country's political landscape. The Prime Minister's tribute highlighted the enduring legacy of Vajpayee.

On behalf of all the family members of the country, I pay my deepest respects to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his birth anniversary. He remained engaged in accelerating nation-building throughout his life. His dedication and service towards Mother India will remain a source of inspiration even in his immortal age.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, born on December 25, 1924, was a statesman, poet, and one of the founding members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as the Prime Minister of India three times, first for a brief period in 1996, then for a short span in 1998, and finally from 1999 to 2004. Vajpayee was known for his eloquence, statesmanship, and ability to build consensus across political lines.

For over five decades after Independence, no non-Congress government had served for a full five years at the Centre. That was until Atal Bihari Vajpayee became prime minister for a third time in 1999. Vajpayee would head a coalition of 24 parties for five years, and in the process, cement relationships for the oft-politically isolated BJP some of which last till date. During this term, he launched initiatives such as the Golden Quadrilateral highway network, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, and Kisan credit cards, which continue to touch the lives of millions of Indians.

Apart from PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Vajpayee. In a post on X, he wrote, "I remember and salute former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his birth anniversary. Atal ji served the country and society selflessly and gave a new direction to nationalist politics in the country through the establishment of the BJP."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Atal Bihari Vajpayee proved during his tenure as the prime minister of the country how stable governments can be beneficial and that tradition continues to this day.

Yogi noted that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the 'Ajat Shatru' of politics and he possessed remarkable abilities to work in both favorable and challenging situations.

The Prime Minister's words likely resonated with a sense of gratitude for the values and principles that Atal Bihari Vajpayee stood for. Vajpayee's commitment to democratic ideals, inclusive governance, and secularism were key pillars of his political philosophy. The tribute might have emphasized the importance of upholding these values in the present context, urging the nation to draw inspiration from Vajpayee's legacy.