Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 93, is a diabetic patient and has only one functional kidney. He had also suffered a stroke in 2009 which weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia. Vajpayee had retracted from public life and restricted himself to his home ever since his health deteriorated considerably.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was sworn in as the tenth prime minister of India after the 1996 General Elections, but since the NDA could not prove majority in the floor of the house he resigned after 13 days. In 1998, he was again sworn in as the prime minister and held the post till 2004. He was conferred with Bharat Ratna award, India's highest civilian honour, in 2014.
Pakistan’s caretaker minister for information and broadcasting Ali Zafar will be travelling to India to attend the funeral of former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the instructions of caretaker PM Nasirulmulk. Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief and Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan said, “The sub-continent has lost a phenomenal and a visionary political figure today."
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The railways today said the Railway Recruitment Board exams scheduled for tomorrow for the post of assistant loco pilots and technicians will go ahead as per schedule. "We are announcing that tomorrow's RRB exam will be conducted in all the three shifts as per schedule. This is being done through the RRB websites. Individual SMS-es are also being sent to about 4.36 lakh candidates," Rajesh Bajpai, Director, Information and Publicity, Indian Railways, said. He, however, added that due to the worsening of the flood situation in Kerala, it was not possible to conduct the exam in the southern state on Friday. "So, the exam at the Kerala centres is being postponed," Bajpai said.
The BJP government in Chhattisgarh has also announced a seven-day state mourning following the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. As a mark of respect to the departed leader, there will be a seven-day state mourning from August 16 to 22, as per an official statement. All government, semi-government and educational institutions will remain closed tomorrow (August 17), it said. During this period, the national flag will fly at half mast, it stated. No government entertainment and cultural programmes will be held, the release said.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a shining star on the horizon of Indian politics. Remembering him, the Speaker said his demise was a loss which can not be regained. "Such an incredible and invaluable jewel adding to the glory of our motherland has left for heavenly abode today – the precious gem of the crown has left behind a void," she said in a statement. Meanwhile, Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia paid tribute to the former Prime Minister at his residence in Delhi on Thursday.
The Manipur governor issued a statement, declaring a holiday on Friday for all offices and educational institutions under the government as a mark of respect to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away on Thursday at 93. The governor also announced seven days of state mourning from August 16 to August 22.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief and Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan has expressed heartfelt grief over the sad demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “The sub-continent has lost a phenomenal and a visionary political figure today," Khan said in a statement issued by the PTI's Central Media Department.
Lauding his role in strengthening Pakistan-India bilateral relations, Khan said that Vajpayee's contribution would never be forgotten.
As foreign minister, Vajpayee strived to open ways towards normalisation of relations among neighbouring states and had successfully taken this agenda to the new heights after assuming the office of Prime Minister.
The PTI chairman stated that there could be political differences between the two countries but the desire to establish peace existed on both sides of the border. Khan said the former PM’s sad demise had created a vacuum in the political arena of the sub-continent. In order to pay homage to his tireless services, Khan said, we could resort to the establishment and promotion of peace across the region. “I extend sympathies to the people of India in this hour of grief,” he said.
With tears in his eyes, BJP president Amit Shah condoled the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who breathed his last on Thursday after battling a prolonged disease at the All India Institute of Medical Science in the national capital. Calling Vajpayee the pole star of the Indian sky, Shah said the nation lost a tall leader.
'With his demise, we lost the pole star of the Indian sky. He was multifaceted. The nation lost a tall leader, BJP lost its first National President, crores of youth lost their inspiration. It is impossible to fill that void,' said Shah in a press conference hours after the AIIMs officially declared the death of Vajpayee.
A great personality, a steadfast & universally accepted leader, who instilled Bharatiya culture & values in public life, Atalji has left us today. The void left behind will remain forever. We join the nation in paying our deepest respects to the departed soul: Dr Mohan Bhagwat
Tripura announces seven-day state mourning starting today on the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The national flag will be flown half-mast during this period. The government has announced holiday tomorrow as a mark of respect to Vajpayee. State mourning will be observed from 16th to 22nd August.
Pakistan Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan has also condoled the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said that he was a tall political personality of the subcontinent.
We have learnt with sadness the passing away of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, who was undergoing treatment in a hospital in New Delhi: Pakistan government
Bangladesh Pm Sheikh Hasina also condoled the death of former PM. Deeply shocked at sad demise of former PM of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of the most famous sons of India. He'll be remembered for contributing towards good governance & highlighting issues affecting common people of India as well as regional peace& prosperity, she said.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj were among the many politicians who paid tribute to late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence
The body of the BJP veteran has been kept at his official residence - 6 A Krishna Menon Marg. Shah said people can pay homage to the departed leader at his residence from 7.30 am to 8.30 am tomorrow. The last rites of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will take place at 4 pm tomorrow at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal here, BJP chief Amit Shah said today.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today expressed his sentiments over the death of Vajpayee. "Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a tall statesman and an inspiration to millions whose leadership and humanitarian aspects will remain eternally etched in the mind and heart of the people."
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee this evening and said his death was an irreplaceable loss for the entire nation. In a statement, Deb said, "Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a statesman beyond any comparison who selflessly dedicated his life for the development of our nation. Under his able leadership, BJP grew spectacularly across the country....Vajpayee ji held a special place in his heart for the North-East region".
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi issued a statement informing the demise of former Prime Minister Vajpayee who passed away at 05:05 pm today. Chief Minister Deb expressed condolences on his demise before departing for New Delhi to pay his last respect to the late Statesman.
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains were brought to his residence today after his demise at AIIMS. State funeral for A B Vajpayee will be held in Delhi's Smriti Sthal, reports PTI. Half day holiday has been announced on the day of the funeral in all central govt offices.
BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday termed Atal Bihari Vajpayee's demise as an irreparable loss and a great setback for country's politics. He said that the party will carry forward his vision and ideology. "The country has lost a sensitive poet in the field of literature, a sensible journalist. BJP has lost its first national president. Crores of youth have lost an inspiring leader," he said.
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing away of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "I am deeply saddened by the sad demise of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was a great human being and a true statesman. He never hesitated in giving full credit to his opposition party leaders whenever due. I distinctly remember when he praised then PM Indira Gandhi after the Indo-Pak war of 1971 and referred to her as "Durga". I had occasion of interacting with him over the long period of his Parliamentary career and had very close interaction with him when I was looking after the Parliamentary Affairs portfolio and he was the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. I have very happy memories of him and his passing away is a great personal loss for me. He will be greatly remembered for his prolific oratory skills, statesmanship, his relationship with leaders of other parties and outstanding contribution towards public service besides many other qualities." said Azad.
He expressed his deepest sympathies to his near and dear ones and prayed to almighty to give strength and courage to his family in this sad moment and also prayed that his departed soul may rest in peace.
Former President Pranab Mukherjee mourns over the demise of iconic BJP leader. "No doubt that the country will be poorer in the loss of #AtalBihariVajpayee who was like a colossus for almost 6 decades. I pay my deepest regards for this great son of India," he wrote on Twitter.
Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express today expressed grief over the demise of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "Few people as respected across the board as Vajpayee," he wrote on Twitter.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has announced that all Delhi Government offices, schools and other institutions shall remain closed tomorrow as a mark of respect for Atal Bihari Vajpayee who passed away today.
Central Government announces seven-day state mourning throughout India. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown. State funeral will also be accorded, reports ANI.
Union Cabinet decides:
- State mourning for seven days till 22 August.
- State funeral for Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Smriti Sthal, New Delhi.
- Half day holiday in the afternoon of the day of the funeral in all Central government offices and CPSUs across the country, and Delhi government offices in NCT of Delhi.
- National Flag to fly at half-mast throughout India and Indian missions abroad till 22 August.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday expressed sorrow over the death of former PM and said: "his vision will always be with us".
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman Tata Sons on Thursday condoled the death of former PM Vajpayee and said he was an iconic leader on the world stage. "The nation has lost a statesman of independent India. An iconic leader on the world stage, Vajpayeeji led India with great wisdom, foresight and love for the country," he said.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former prime minister of India, passed away at the age of 93 on August 16. He was admitted at AIIMS, Delhi, for the last nine weeks. The veteran BJP leader was admitted on June 11, after he was diagnosed with kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection and low urine output. Here is how Twitterati mourned his death.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated the famous Delhi-Lahore bus service to foster better relationships between India and Pakistan. Vajpayee had travelled on the same bus during its inaugural run on February 19, 1999 and was received by Nawaz Sharif, his counterpart in Pakistan. This excerpt from Kingshuk Nag’s book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Man for All Seasons, published by Rupa, describes how the former Prime Minister charmed all during his visit. | READ MORE
The Indian Express brings to you rare and unseen photos of the BJP stalwart who passed away at AIIMS today. He was 93. SEE PICS
As the first non-Congress politician to complete five years as prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s premiership was as significant as it was eventful in shaping India’s democracy and putting the country on the road to economic progress. From leading a delegation at United Nations to introducing Lahore bus service to resolving the vexed Kashmir issue with Pakistan, Vajpayee won the hearts of Indians and even the opposition. An orator par excellence, who gave some of the memorable speeches that will remain etched in the annals of Indian parliamentary history, Vajpayee has carved out a niche for himself as one of the shrewdest politicians the country has ever had. READ MORE
I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. An excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional Public Servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian and a great Prime Minister, Shri Vajpayee ji stood among the tallest leaders of modern India, who spent his whole life serving our great country. His services to our nation will be remembered for a long time to come.
-Manmohan Singh
Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata group, expressed his condolences over the passing away of Vajpayee. He said the former PM was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humor.
READ | A tide of emotions swirling within me, Atal ji’s demise marks end of an era: PM Modi
'Manmohan returned my call past 11 pm, he praised my work, said he will carry it forward'
Vajpayee passes away at 93, AIIMS declares
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives at AIIMS. Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is on life support after his health deteriorated. Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh and BSP Supremo Mayawati have also arrived at the premier institute.
Leaders across party lines continue to visit AIIMS where former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is on life support. As Vajpayee continues to battle for life at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, people of all faiths in his "karam bhoomi" Lucknow held special prayers for his long life.
The BJP today postponed its two-day national executive, slated for August 18-19, in the wake of critical health condition of its veteran leader and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "As of now, the national executive has been postponed, and its dates will be finalised later," a party leader told PTI. Vajpayee is battling for life and remains on advanced life support at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for the second day today.
Congress general secretary Ashok Gehlot and Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Raj Babbar at the premier institute where Vajpayee is on life support. Leaders across party lines are praying for the former PM and arriving at AIIMS since morning today.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah after visiting the hospital said,"We should not forget he is one Indian leader who wanted to strengthen the country." "He wanted to take India to such heights that were unmatched by any other country in the world. He has friendship and love for everyone. He wanted peace not only in the country but also in the entire world," he told PTI.
People in India and outside are praying for him. Entire country loves him. The present generation of politicians draws inspiration from him. The manner in which he maintained dignity in the Parliament is exemplary: Ashok Tandon, the then advisor to former PM, tells ANI.
As former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajayee's condition remains critical, a number of leaders cutting across party lines on Thursday prayed for his recovery. They said he was a leader who wanted to take India to heights that were unmatched by any other country in the world and was a source of inspiration. Senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, party president Amit Shah, Shahnawaj Hussain, Manoj Tiwari, Anurag Thakur, Vijay Goyal, Udit Rai, Prakash Javedkar, Harsh Vardhan visited him at the hospital.
Leaders from other political parties, including Congress's Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ram Vilas Paswan from Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), NC's Farooq Abdullah, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, visited the premier health institute.
Union Minister JP Nadda says Atal Bihari Vajpayee is still critical. He said every attempt is being made and a bulletin will be released shortly.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will leave for New Delhi later in the day today to enquire about the health of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is on life support at the AIIMS, official sources told PTI in Mumbai.
Fadnavis will fly to New Delhi from Nagpur, where he has gone to attend a public event, sources in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has reached AIIMS where Atal Bihari Vajpayee is on life support system.