Atalji remembered for his efforts towards nation’s progress: PM Modi
NEWDELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and
Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among several dignitaries who paid tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his second death anniversary on Sunday.
They were joined by several Union ministers and other leaders at ‘Sadaiv Atal’, the memorial to Vajpayee in the national capital, in paying respects to him.
Modi said India will always remember his outstanding service and efforts towards the nation’s progress.
“Tributes to beloved Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. India will always remember his outstanding service and efforts towards our nation’s progress,” Modi tweeted.
Kovind on Sunday also unveiled a portrait of Vajpayee at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) headquarters at Azad Bhavan, ITO in New Delhi.
Attending the event through video conferencing, the President called Vajypayee a great hero who added many glorious chapters in the politics of India.
“On behalf of the grateful nation, I pay him a humble tribute and unveiling the portrait of Atalji. Fortunately, in February last year, I also got a historic opportunity to unveil Atalji’s portrait in the Central Hall of Parliament House. Today, through this ceremony, we are all remembering a brilliant nationalist, a great hero who added many glorious chapters in the politics of India,” he said.
Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, and BJP Rajya Sabha MP and incumbent ICCR president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also took part in the inauguration of Vajpayee’s portrait.
Naidu also posted a tribute on Twitter in Hindi saying, “I pay homage to the great speaker of our generation, ‘Ajatashatru’, bearer of liberal democratic values, nationalist poet, skilled administrator, and former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary.”
Vajpayee, the first BJP prime minister, had passed away on this day in 2018.
A statesman and saffron stalwart, he was fondly remembered by other senior BJP leaders.
Home minister Amit Shah said the country for the first time saw “good governance” being implemented across the nation under Vajpayee.
The Modi government is striving for the welfare of the poor and good governance by keeping his ideas at the centre of its work, Shah added.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh said Vajpayee’s tremendous contribution towards pubic life and India’s development will always be cherished, and his vision for the country will continue to inspire coming generations.
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday while paying tribute to the former prime minister said that the Gwalior-chambal Expressway will be named Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chambal Progressway.
“The Gwalior-chambal Expressway will be named Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Chambal Progressway. He continues to inspire us to work for the public,” Chouhan said.