Leaders across political parties in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday paid heartfelt tributes to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary. They remembered him as a statesman who rose above party politics and made Himachal Pradesh his second home.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla described himself as a follower of Vajpayee and praised his ethical approach in politics. "I am his follower. I believe that he made Himachal Pradesh his home. If politics is kept aside, the whole of Himachal is his follower. In politics, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji had established a rare talent. When his government fell into a minority, he had said that even if it required using a pair of tongs to save the government by indulging in corruption, he would never do so. The government went, but then the people of the country gave him a massive mandate to become Prime Minister. Today, we bow at his feet to pay our respects," the Governor said.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also spoke of Vajpayee’s ability to bring people together and rise above party politics.
“All political parties are here, the Governor, the Pradesh Congress chief, and leaders from other parties. Everyone is paying him homage rising above politics," he said.
Sukhu recalled how Vajpayee’s stature as a national leader was recognised even during the Congress rule.
"When Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister, he sent Vajpayee to represent India at the UN Assembly, where he delivered a historic speech. He was respected for his oratory and clarity of thought," he said.
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"He first became Prime Minister for 13 days, then for 13 months, and later for a full term. He was respected for his clarity and honesty, and admired as an excellent speaker. His love for Himachal was unmatched. He had his home in Kullu and often stayed amidst the natural beauty of the state, writing poetry which was his passion," Sukhu said.
The Chief Minister added that Vajpayee’s politics was marked by honesty, grace, and respect for democracy.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri also paid his respects. "Today, the entire nation remembers Atal ji. On such an occasion, we are offering him our floral tributes. He did politics of values. He was regarded as a liberal leader, respected by leaders of all parties. In Himachal Pradesh, his statue has been installed at the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla. For his contribution to the nation, he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna. The whole country remembers him today," he said.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He was elected Prime Minister three times. He served as External Affairs Minister in the Morarji Desai cabinet from 1977 to 1979. Vajpayee was the first non-Congress Prime Minister to complete a full term.
Vajpayee passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on August 16, 2018.
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