Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday paid glowing tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 101st birth anniversary, hailing him as a passionate nationalist, exemplar of good governance, a leader of the people, and the builder of modern India.
The CM described him as a fervent nationalist, exemplar of good governance, a leader of the people, and the builder of modern India.. “A prominent patriot and humanitarian leader, Atal ji’s personality was unparalleled. He was the true architect of transforming ‘politics’ into ‘national policy.’ Every decision he took resonated with the nation’s development and public welfare,” Majhi wrote on X in Odia.
Vajpayee, born on December 25, 1924, served as India’s Prime Minister three times between 1996 and 2004. Known for his deep affection for Odisha, the late leader’s contributions to the state remain etched in public memory.
Here’s a look at the late PM’s connection with the state:
– Following the devastating 1999 Super Cyclone that ravaged coastal Odisha, Vajpayee personally visited the state to assess the damage and announced Rs 250 crore in central aid for relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts.
– The former PM laid the foundation stone of an oil refinery of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) in Paradip on May 25, 2000.
– On July 15, 2002, he laid the foundation stone of AIIMS at Sijua in Bhubaneswar.
– Vajpayee was also instrumental in the operationalisation of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) on April 1, 2003.
– While in the Opposition, the late leader had proposed special assistance for K
BK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput), one of the most backward and underdeveloped regions in the country, in Parliament.
– Vajpayee was very close to the former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik and had visited Odisha to pay last respect after the latter’s demise.
– It is said that Vajpayee had played the role of an advisor during the formation of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) after the death of Biju Patnaik. Besides, he played a key role in the induction of BJD into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
– During his tenure as Prime Minister, Vajpayee had given the Steel and Mines portfolio to Naveen Patnaik in his cabinet. He was one of the top leaders who shaped his political career.
– Senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha member Prasanna Acharya said “During the formation of BJD, both Atal ji and Advani ji had given us the mental courage. Whenever Naveen Babu had sought advice, Atal ji was used to give him constructive advice.”
– To strengthen the party base, Vajpayee visited Odisha a number of times. In 1981, he visited Rourkela to review the organisational activity of the party.
– After forming the government at the Centre in 1999, Vajpayee created the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry and entrusted the portfolio to Jual Oram.
– Apart from Naveen Patnaik, Jual Oram and Debendra Pradhan, Vajpayee elevated several leaders from Odisha, including Arjun Sethi, Braja Kishore Tripathy, and Dilip Ray, to his cabinet.
– He liked Chhena Poda, Chhena Jhilli and Rasabali besides the dishes prepared with prawns from the brackish water of the state.
– Following his death on August 16, 2018, his ashes were immersed in Mahanadi, Baitarani, Rushikulya and Brahmani rivers in Odisha.