Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away

What comes in as a sad news, former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away on Thursday at the AIIMS in Delhi.

The first non-Congress leader to serve a full term as a PM had been hospitalised for a Kidney ailment since June.

AIIMS, in a statement, said, “It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at 05:05 pm on 16.08.2018.”

The current PM of India, Narendra Modi, who has worked as the then CM of Gujarat during Vajpayee’s Prime Minister term, mentioned his grief on his Twitter profile.

It was due to the perseverance and struggles of Atal Ji that the BJP was built brick by brick. He travelled across the length and breadth of India to spread the BJP's message, which led to the BJP becoming a strong force in our national polity and in several states.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018

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) August 16, 2018

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) August 16, 2018

Born on 25 December 1924, the 93-year-old Vajpayee led the BJP governance to power in 1999 and took the Prime Minister chair serving for 5 years full-term. One of his most famous times was during the Kargil War providing full support the Indian Army needed. The whole nation has applauded his stand during the wartime.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was awarded the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, in 2015.