Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday described former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as an astute leader.
“Vajpayee ji was an astute leader who showed to the world the art of managing a coalition government with its myriad diversities,” he said, addressing the all-party memorial meeting at the Exhibition Ground here.
Stating that the demise of Vajpayee ji is a great national loss, as much as a personal loss for him, the Chief Minister said he will always cherish his association with the late Prime Minister especially as it was during his initial years in public life.
“He embodied a unique combination of grace, idealism and tolerance in politics. A true statesman, he was admired across the political spectrum. His depth of vision and understanding of issues was unparalleled. A man of firm principles and an idealistic poet, he was a true democrat who chose to lose on the floor of the House upholding the values of our Constitution. It is truly the end of an era,” the Chief Minister observed.
He also said Vajpayee ji had a large heart with a special love for Odisha, which was equally reciprocated by the people. “We miss you, Vajpayee ji,” he added.
Leaders of all political parties including the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik and leader of the Opposition Narasingh Mishra attended the meeting.
Senior BJP leaders including Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram, leader of the BJP legislature party KV Singhdeo were also present.
The meeting was also attended by several dignitaries and social activists.
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