Atal Bihari Vajpayee Remembered on Death Anniversary

New Delhi, August 16, 2026 India on Sunday remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries paying floral tributes at ‘Sadaiv Atal’ in New Delhi. A prayer meeting was also held in his memory. The observance reflected the lasting impact of Vajpayee’s political career and his contribution to India’s governance and public life. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman Harivansh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and BJP National President Nitin Nabin were among the leaders who paid homage. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee was a statesman, poet and writer. He became Prime Minister three times — for 13 days in 1996, for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and later for a full term from 1999 to 2004. He died at AIIMS in New Delhi on August 16, 2018. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Vajpayee on X, highlighting his vision and service to the nation. The Prime Minister said, “Remembering Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. An extraordinary statesman blessed with remarkable vision, he dedicated his life to the service of our nation. His words and efforts inspired generations and his leadership strengthened our nation. His focus on good governance and public welfare will always continue to guide us.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah also recalled Vajpayee’s contribution and described him as a leader who devoted his life to the nation. “On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and the founder of BJP, Bharat Ratna, the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee, I pay my homage to him. Atal ji was a patriot politician of such calibre who dedicated every moment of his life to the service of the nation,” HM Shah said in a post on X. “On one hand, he made the entire world aware of India’s strength through nuclear tests and the Kargil War, while on the other hand, his value-based politics brought the vision of Antyodaya and good governance to the ground for the first time. Atal ji’s towering personality and leadership will continue to inspire every BJP worker towards nation-building forever,” he added. Vajpayee’s years in office are associated with the Pokhran nuclear tests, major infrastructure programmes such as the Golden Quadrilateral and national highway development, and economic measures that helped establish the basis for a sustained period of growth. His legacy continues to be remembered through his emphasis on democratic values, good governance and national development, keeping his contribution to India’s political history alive.