India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away today (16 August, Thursday) at New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) due to kidney and urinary infection and chest congestion. He was 93.
Vajpayee was often described as the moderate leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served as the country’s Prime Minister on three ocassions. First in 1996 for 13 days then in 1998 for 13 months and then for a term of 5 years from 1999. He was India’s first non- Congress Prime Minsiter to complete a term of five.
Post his sad demise, Politicians across political parties expressed their grieves. Even filmstars mourned the death of the beloved Prime Minister.
1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
I have lost a father figure.
Atal Ji taught me vital facets of both ‘Shaasan’ and ‘Sangathan.’
His noble thoughts will live on and we will fulfil his dreams for the country. pic.twitter.com/qr755OQ72o
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018
2. President Ram Nath Kovind
Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former Prime Minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity and eloquence put him in a league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one and all #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 16, 2018
3. Rahul Gandhi
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. #AtalBihariVajpayee
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 16, 2018
4. Pranab Mukharjee
Deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A reasoned critique in opposition and a seeker of consensus as PM, Atal Ji was a democrat to the core. In his passing away, India has lost a great son and an era has come to an end. My deepest condolences.
— Pranab Mukherjee Legacy Foundation- PMLF (@CitiznMukherjee) August 16, 2018
5. Mamata Banerjee
Very very saddened that the great statesman and former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji is no more with us. His passing away is a very big loss to our nation. I will always cherish the many fond memories. Condolences to his family and his many admirers
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 16, 2018
6. Shah Rukh Khan
For The Poet Prime Minister of our country, love you Baapji…https://t.co/IKTYouMdiy pic.twitter.com/kLO4JAHvNu
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 16, 2018
7. Lata Mangeshkar
Rishitulya purva pradhan mantri Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji ke swargwas ki vaarta sunke mujhe aise (cont) https://t.co/1w1sEjs1eB
— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) August 16, 2018
8. Madhuri Dixit nene
My heartfelt condolences to the country, as we mourn the demise of our visionary leader, #AtalBihariVajpayee ji. May his soul rest in peace!
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) August 16, 2018
9. Priyanka Chopra
Former Prime Minister Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee's visionary ideas and contributions for India were truly remarkable. The nation will always remember… #RIP
My thoughts and condolences to the family.— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) August 16, 2018
10. Virat Kohli
A sombre day for us as we mourn the loss of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and Legendary Indian Captain Ajit Wadekar sir. May your souls rest in peace. India and its millions will always remember you fondly. 🙏🏻
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 16, 2018
11. Sachin Tendulkar
India is at a great loss today. Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee ji’s contributions to our nation have been innumerable. Thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2018
12. Vijender Singh
One of the Greatest PM this Country has ever seen.A visionary, A poet, A statesman, A man who won over million hearts. Man who deserves nothing but respect.
Bharat Ratna #AtalBihariVajpayee is no more with us.His contribution for the motherland will inspire generations to come. pic.twitter.com/XhDk0WrNR5— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) August 16, 2018
13. Vishwanathan Anand
India loses one of its great leaders. “ Gentle Giant” thats a wonderful way to remember him and his work. My deepest condolences . #ripvajpayee
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) August 16, 2018
14. VirenDer Sehwag
Asaman ko choo gaya, jo asmaan sa vishal tha, dharti mein simat gaya, jo mitti jaisa narm tha.
Kaun hai jo Atal reh paya zindagi bhar, Atal banke wo zindagi ko paa gaya.
Om Shanti #AtalBihariVajpayee ji 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/56Xi1sqzEf— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 16, 2018