Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the prime minister thrice. He was the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party to become the prime minister.
New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among several dignitaries who paid tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his second death anniversary on Sunday.
They were joined by several Union ministers and other leaders at 'Sadaiv Atal', the memorial to Vajpayee in the national capital, in paying respects to him.
Modi said India will always remember his outstanding service and efforts towards the nation's progress.
"Tributes to beloved Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. India will always remember his outstanding service and efforts towards our nation's progress," Modi tweeted.
Paid tributes to respected Atal Ji at Sadaiv Atal this morning. pic.twitter.com/9pEnLeqXmz
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)Union home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh also paid tributes to Vajpayee.
“Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji was the voice of patriotism and Indian culture. He was a dedicated politician as well as a skilled organiser who played an important role in the expansion of the BJP after laying its foundation and inspired millions of workers to serve the country,” Shah said.
Vajpayee, the first BJP prime minister, had passed away on this day in 2018.
A statesman and saffron stalwart, he was fondly remembered by other senior BJP leaders.
Home Minister Amit Shah said the country for the first time saw "good governance" being implemented across the nation under Vajpayee.
The Modi government is striving for the welfare of the poor and good governance by keeping his ideas at the centre of its work, Shah added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Vajpayee's tremendous contribution towards public life and India's development will always be cherished, and his vision for the country will continue to inspire coming generations.
He died on August 16, 2018, at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi after a prolonged illness.
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