'Spent tenure largely in oppn benches but was never bitter': PM Modi pens tribute to Vajpayee

Vajpayee stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people, says PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary.

In a post on X, the PM said, "Respectful tributes to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his 100th birth anniversary. He dedicated his life to building a strong, prosperous and self-reliant India. His vision and mission will continue to give strength to the resolve for a developed India."

In an opinion piece which appeared in several newspapers, Modi said Vajpayee spent his long parliamentary tenure largely in the opposition benches but never carried any trace of bitterness even though the Congress stooped to new lows by going to the extent of calling him a "traitor".

"He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people," said the PM.  The prime minister said Vajpayee provided stable and effective governance at a time when people were getting impatient and sceptical about the government's ability to deliver due to the political instability of the 90s when four Lok Sabha polls were held in about nine years.

Coming from humble roots, Vajpayee realised the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance, Modi said, adding that the long-term impact of his leadership is visible in several sectors.

The PM said Vajpayee's era marked a gigantic leap in the world of information technology, telecom and communications. He also cited initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the push for Metro connectivity by doing extensive work for the Delhi Metro, which stands out as a world-class infrastructure project.

He said, "The Vajpayee government not only boosted economic growth but also brought distant regions closer, fostering unity and integration." PM Modi said the Vajpayee government's decision to carry out nuclear tests and its handling of the aftermath provide a wonderful example of his leadershi. "The world was stunned that India had done the tests and expressed their anger in no uncertain terms. Any ordinary leader would have buckled, but Atal ji was made differently. And what happened? India stood firm, with the government calling for another set of tests two days later, on May 13." If the tests of May 11, 1998, showed scientific skill, the ones on May 13 showed true leadership, he said.

It was a message to the world that gone were the days when India would buckle under threats or pressure, he said.

Despite facing international sanctions, Modi said, the NDA government stood firm, articulating India's right to safeguard its sovereignty while simultaneously being the strongest proponent of world peace.

Modi said Vajpayee understood Indian democracy and also the need to make it stronger. He presided over the creation of the NDA, which redefined coalitions in Indian politics and became a force for development, national progress and regional ambitions.

"His parliamentary brilliance was seen throughout his political journey. He belonged to a party with a handful of MPs but his words were enough to rattle the might of the all-powerful Congress Party that time. As Prime Minister, he blunted the criticisms of the Opposition with style and substance," Modi said.

His persona was magnetic and his life was enriched by his love for literature and expression, he said.

PM Modi said for so many Bharatiya Janata Party members like him, it is their privilege that they were able to learn and interact with a person like Vajpayee. Whenever the choice came between ideology and power, Vajpayee always chose the former, Modi said. "He was able to convince the nation that an alternative world view from the Congress was possible and such a world view could deliver," he said, asking people to rededicate themselves to realising his ideals and fulfilling his vision for India.