New Delhi: Former Prime Minister and 'Bharat Ratna' Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away at AIIMS this evening at 5.05 pm bringing to an end a glorious political innings. He was 93.
AIIMS announced the demise of the BJP veteran saying, “It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of former PM of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at 5.05 pm on August 16.”
Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 and was stable in the last nine weeks under the care of a team of AIIMS doctors.
“Unfortunately his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best of efforts we have lost him today. We join the nation in deeply mourning this great loss,” the bulletin issued by Dr Aarti Vij, chairperson, media and protocol division, AIIMS said.
The late leader’s body will be first taken to his residence 6, Krishna Menon Marg, where a host of BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah will be present along with BJP senior LK Advani who has been a Vajpayee associate for years.
After the family and friends pay homage, Vajpayee’s body will be taken to the BJP headquarters for last respects.
PM Modi tweeted the condolence to the departed leader saying, “India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal ji.”
Narendra Modi@narendramodi: India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal Ji. His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti.
Narendra Modi@narendramodi; It was Atal Ji's exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century. His futuristic policies across various sectors touched the lives of each and every citizen of India.
Narendra Modi@narendramodi: Atal Ji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit.
Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah: Vajpayee Sahib is no more & I feel a personal sense of loss at his passing. Thank you sir for the opportunities, for the trust you reposed in me, for the opportunities to travel with you & to learn from you. You will be greatly missed.
Words mean so little at a time like this, but words are all we have to convey the deepest condolences to Gunu, to Neha, to Ranjan & the entire family. May God give you strength to bear this tremendous loss.
Former President Pranab Mukherjee: 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.
Congress President 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.
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister: 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.
Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons: All of us who knew Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee are saddened to hear of his passing away. He was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humour. He will be remembered fondly by a vast number of us.
Mulayam Singh Yadav, Samajwadi Party patriarch: It is a big loss for the country. He was a very simple man inspite of being such a senior leader.There was not even a shred of arrogance in him. Current leaders need to learn a lot from him.
Vasundhara Raje, Rajasthan Chief Minister: With the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, India has lost its tallest leader of modern times, a political thinker whose wit was unparalleled and a champion of India — even when the motherland was marred by the emergency and had lost all hope.
Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition in Bihar: Deeply saddened by the demise of stalwart of Indian politics and a father figure to all of us, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. He has left a big void in Indian politics which future generations will keep on struggling to fill, for the ages to come! we will miss him. RIP!
TTV Dhinakaran, AMMK general secretary: I am deeply pained to hear the news about the demise of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. An exemplary parliamentarian, he envisioned the nation's development and brought several laurels to the country during his long innings in politics. Known for his humane approach, Atal ji propagated brotherhood during his entire life. His demise is a great loss to the nation. My sincere condolences to his family and followers.
Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh: I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. He was an excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional public servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian and a great Prime Minister.
I have lost my closest friend, says LK AdvaniBJP veteran leader LK Advani condoles the demise of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, calls him his "closest friend for over 65 years".
Former Union minister Salman Khurshid: His talent and enormous stature sat easily on his shoulders. He made one feel so comfortable. That speaks volumes about the leadership that he gave to this country.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh: Pained beyond words at the demise of Shri Atalji. He had cherished the ideal of a developed and powerful India in which all persons lived together in unity, peace and harmony.
Farooq Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir's National Conference leader: A great son of this nation has passed away. When he became the Prime Minister, he had to run 23 parties. But he managed them with his softness and clean heart.
