PM Modi Pays Tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 100th Birth Anniversary

Mumbai : Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary, remembering his immense contributions to India’s growth and development. In a post on social media, PM Modi wrote, “Respectful tributes to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his 100th birth anniversary. He dedicated his life to building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India. His vision and mission will continue to give strength to the resolve for a developed India.”

PM Modi also penned an opinion piece that was published in several newspapers, reflecting on Vajpayee’s leadership and political journey. He remarked that despite spending much of his parliamentary career on the opposition benches, Vajpayee never carried any bitterness, even as he was unjustly labeled a “traitor” by some political forces. According to Modi, Vajpayee’s resilience and dignity in the face of such attacks elevated him as a statesman who continues to inspire millions.

Modi further praised Vajpayee for providing stable and effective governance during a politically unstable period in the 1990s, when multiple Lok Sabha elections were held in a short span, and the nation was losing faith in the government’s ability to deliver. Vajpayee’s leadership was pivotal in restoring faith in the political system.

Vajpayee, who came from humble beginnings, understood the struggles of ordinary citizens and believed in the transformative power of effective governance. PM Modi noted that Vajpayee’s influence was visible across various sectors, such as information technology, telecom, and communications, and his visionary projects, like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, played a key role in enhancing infrastructure and connectivity. His efforts to develop Metro connectivity, particularly in Delhi, also stood out as a major achievement in urban infrastructure development.

One of the most notable achievements under Vajpayee’s leadership was the decision to conduct nuclear tests in 1998, which Modi described as a defining moment in India’s history. Despite facing global sanctions and condemnation, Vajpayee’s government stood firm, asserting India’s sovereignty and its right to safeguard national security. Modi described the aftermath of the nuclear tests as an example of Vajpayee’s leadership, emphasizing how India, under his guidance, maintained its stance and pride, showcasing India’s strength to the world.

PM Modi also highlighted Vajpayee’s ability to shape India’s democratic landscape, noting that the formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) under his leadership redefined coalitions in Indian politics. The NDA became a powerful force for development and national progress, and Vajpayee’s magnetic personality and parliamentary brilliance were instrumental in achieving this.

In his tribute, Modi emphasized that for many members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it was a privilege to have had the opportunity to learn from Vajpayee. His commitment to ideology over power and his ability to convince the nation that an alternative vision to the Congress party was possible were central to his legacy.

PM Modi concluded his tribute by urging people to rededicate themselves to realizing Vajpayee’s ideals and fulfilling his vision for a developed India.