Shock to the nation: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away at 93
Former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away at the age of 93. He breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.
His death was announced at 5:05pm. The hospital was flooded with party members since morning. These included many prominent leaders of different parties. The influential BJP leader was admitted to the hospital in June.
His involvement in public life receded over the decade. This was because of his deteriorating health conditions. He remained restricted to this residence for the most part. A gathering of prominent leaders, including Prime Minister, Narendra Modi visited the iconic Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He was a great leader who worked for the benefit of the mainna. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award in 2015. In May, 1998, during his second term as Prime Minister, he ordered nuclear tests in a brilliant strategic decision. This led to the subsequent crushing of Pakistan’s nuclear ambition.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s final journey will go from his Krishna Menon Marg residence to the new BJP headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg to Delhi Gate to Rajghat and finally to his last abode, Smriti Sthal. one-and-a-half acre land has been allocated to build a smarak for Vajpayee at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a worshipper of democracy. He believed in political consensus above all. For him, India’s democracy was the only treasure for governments and parties would come and go.
The Central government has announced a seven-day state mourning throughout India.
“Ek Nahi Do Nahi Karo Beeson Samjhote
Per swatantra Bharat Ka Mastak Nahi Jhukega
Aganit Balidano se Arjit Yeh Swatantrta
Ashru, Shok, Shourya se sinchit yeh Swatantrta
Tyag Tej Tapbal se Rakshit Yeh Swatantrta”
This poem invoked the true essence of the man. The man may no longer be with us but ideals and principles never die. His name was Atal Bihari Vajpayee and he shall live on as long as free India lives on.
