President Murmu and PM Modi Lead Tributes on Vajpayee’s 5th Death Anniversary; NDA Partners Join

New Delhi-On the fifth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s passing, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying heartfelt floral tributes to the revered statesman at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial in Delhi.

Prime Minister Modi was joined by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as they offered their respects to the saffron stalwart who had been bestowed with India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.

Notably, in a marked departure, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extended an invitation to its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners to join in commemorating the former Prime Minister at the Sadaiv Atal Memorial. Leaders from NDA constituents participated in this poignant occasion.

Eminent figures from the NDA’s fold, including former Bihar Chief Minister Jeetan Ram Manjhi, Tamil Manila Congress leader GK Vasan, AIADMK’s Thambi Durai, Apna Dal leader Anupriya Patel, and NCP leaders Praful Patel and Agatha Sangama, among others, gathered to honor Vajpayee’s enduring legacy.

Joining in this tribute were Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, representing the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal United (JDU), who paid their respects to the late Prime Minister.

Of poignant significance, Vajpayee’s foster daughter, Namita Kaul Bhattacharya, also paid her respects at the memorial dedicated to her departed father.

The BJP’s efforts to fortify and consolidate the NDA partnership, ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, have seen the party organizing events to foster unity among its coalition allies. These endeavors aim to cultivate a collaborative and harmonious atmosphere.

Reflecting the party’s commitment to a strong performance in the upcoming polls, PM Modi engaged in a series of 11 meetings with NDA MPs from various states during July and August. His valuable insights and guidance served as important inputs for the partner leaders.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a towering figure in Indian politics, adeptly steered the NDA coalition during his three terms as Prime Minister. His visionary leadership not only shaped the BJP’s trajectory but also elevated his legacy as an architect of successful coalition governance.

Born in Gwalior in 1924, Vajpayee’s contributions were transformative. He served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 2004, marking a significant chapter in India’s political landscape. His pioneering spirit and strategic acumen continue to inspire the nation.

As the nation remembers this iconic leader, the declaration of December 25 as Good Governance Day in his honor stands as a testament to his indelible impact on the country’s governance and progress.