Odisha Politicians Mourn Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Bhubaneswar: As the news of the sad demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee spread on Thursday afternoon, condolences poured in from political leaders of Odisha, cutting across party lines.

Citing it as a personal loss, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “I will always cherish my association with Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji especially as it was during my initial years in politics.”

He also said, “Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji embodied a unique combination of grace, idealism and tolerance in politics. A statesman who was admired across the political spectrum – rare in politics. His depth of vision and understanding of issues was unparalleled.”

The Chief Minister described him as a man of firm principles and an idealistic poet

“It is truly the end of an era … Vajpayjeeji had a large heart with a special corner for Odisha-a love that was equally reciprocated by the people of Odisha… We will miss you Vajpayeeji,” he added.

The Chief Minister also tweeted, “I am deeply grieved by the sad demise of former PM, Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee. He was one of the tallest leaders of the country. He was much loved by the people of India and more so by the people of #Odisha. May his soul rest in peace.”

In his condolence message, Governor of Odisha Ganeshi Lal called Atal Bihari Vajpayee, ‘Yug Purush’.

He said, “I am deeply grieved to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister, a great statesman and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.”

He said the BJP stalwart had love for everybody and was loved by everybody. “His demise is the end of an era,” said the Governor.

He also said Atalji’s thoughts, sentiments, and emotions were all dedicated and devoted to the uplift of the nation and for the welfare of the humanity at large. His dreams, every drop of his blood and each breath of his being, was for the sake of the country, he said.

“We bid farewell to such a great man of integrity who has spiritualised politics,” the Governor said.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik tweeted, “Former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s sad demise has left a void in Indian politics that can’t be filled. He was a true statesman who believed in dialogue and engagement with everyone. May his soul rest in peace. #AtalBihariVaajpayee.”

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remembered Vajpayee’s noted contribution to Odisha at the time of super cyclone, granting of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana etc.

He tweeted, “Grieved at the demise of our beloved leader Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. Today is a sad day for Indian politics & a huge loss for the country. Former PM & first president of BJP, Atal ji was a prolific thinker, accomplished poet, political stalwart & a human being par excellence.”

BJP-Odisha spokesperson Pitambar Acharya tweeted, “He was a visionary who brought about massive changes in Indian government & politics and was an adorable leader being liked by the political opponents. Vajapayee Jee would be remembered by the Indians for all time to come. The loss is irreparable. Om Shanti.”

Politician Baijayant Jay Panda tweeted, “ Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

#AtalBihariVajpayeeji amar rahe! He was always my idol. For long years he was ‘the right man in the wrong party’, but by the time i entered Parlmt, he was already (& remains) one of our most revered & popular heads of govt ever. He was a class apart.”