Atal Bihari Vajpayee death anniversary: PM Modi, President Murmu, senior BJP leaders pay tribute

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, vice president C P Radhakrishnan and other senior leaders on Sunday paid tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his memorial, Sadaiv Atal, in New Delhi on his eighth death anniversary.Defence minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Nitin Nabin, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla and Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta also joined the tributes for Vajpayee, one of India's most respected political leaders, who is remembered for his decades-long contribution to public life. Vajpayee served as Prime Minister three times and was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 2015.Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Vajpayee as an “extraordinary statesman” and said his vision, leadership and commitment to public welfare continue to inspire generations.“Remembering Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. An extraordinary statesman blessed with remarkable vision, he dedicated his life to the service of our nation,” Modi said in a post on X.He added, “His words and efforts inspired generations and his leadership strengthened our nation. His focus on good governance and public welfare will always continue to guide us.”President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tribute to Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal and remembered the former Prime Minister on his death anniversary.Vice President C P Radhakrishnan paid homage at Sadaiv Atal and recalled Vajpayee's contribution to India's political and democratic journey. The Vice President's office said he remembered Vajpayee's “remarkable leadership, statesmanship and enduring service to the nation”.Radhakrishnan also described Vajpayee as a statesman, poet and visionary who devoted his life to strengthening India's unity, dignity and strategic interests.“His commitment to nation-building, inclusive leadership and national pride continues to inspire generations. His enduring legacy will always remain a source of inspiration for the nation,” he said.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid floral tributes to Vajpayee and highlighted his contribution to Indian democracy and national development.“On the death anniversary of the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, I offer him millions of salutations and a humble tribute,” Singh said in a post on X.“Atal Ji enriched Indian democracy through his thoughts and actions. Throughout his life, he worked with the spirit of 'Nation First, Always First.' For him, the fundamental purpose of politics was the nation's interest and public service,” he added. Singh said Vajpayee's leadership helped India make progress in strategic strength, economic development and infrastructure.Union Home Minister Amit Shah remembered Vajpayee as a patriot who devoted his life to national service.“On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and the founder of BJP, Bharat Ratna, the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, I pay my homage to him,” Shah said.He said Vajpayee's leadership and value-based politics helped advance the ideas of Antyodaya and good governance.Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla recalled the former PM's more than five-decade parliamentary career. Birla said Vajpayee, elected to the Lok Sabha 10 times and Rajya Sabha twice, would be remembered as a “fiery parliamentarian, a powerful orator, an accomplished journalist, and a sensitive poet."Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said Vajpayee inspired generations with values of national service, organisational discipline and public life, adding that his patriotism, sense of duty and service would continue to guide the nation.