Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'R.I.P. Vajpayeeji' that was published in Newsband

R.I.P. Vajpayeeji

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the only non-Congress leader to have completed a full term as Prime Minister. Vajpayee was Prime Minister thrice in 1996, 1998-1999 and 1999-2004. As his health deteriorated, he slowly withdrew himself from public life and was confined to his residence for several years.

President Ram Nath Kovind stated, “His leadership, foresight, maturity and eloquence put him in a league of his own.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “His passing away marks the end of an era.”

Vajpayee had described himself as a swayamsevak while he was Prime Minister in 2000. Vajpayee was elected 10 times to the Lok Sabha from four different States, the first time in 1957 from Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh, and was twice member of the Rajya Sabha. As one of the founding members of the Jan Sangh in 1951, Mr. Vajpayee became its president in 1968 upon the death of Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Vajpayee made a name for himself as an orator and with his poetic flourishes. One may not agree with his political manoeuvres which largely circled around his party, than the nation. But he was a great humanist, whatever his opinion. Though the prince of peace has passed away, let his vision and integrity raise the consciousness of our nation, let his compassion and endearment guide us in our shared journey and let his common sense, civility, humor shape our attitude and let his never say die spirit give clarity of purpose to our individual and collective lives.

No one ever disliked Vajpayee during his life time. Despite being a BJP leader, people of all religions and castes adored him. He was an honest and a genuine politician. He was a moderate leader of right-wing party having respect to opposition, democratic values and secular character of the country.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a statesman, a rare specie in Indian political scenario. He was Indian First and Indian Last and did his best to broad-base the political discourse across party lines to serve the country. He managed the balance of politics and national unity with wisdom above the party lines.

Freedom is incomplete without social justice, said Atal ji. Thus the Nation has lost a foresighted statesman with Universal acceptance. A poet par excellent politician without a speck of stain either in his private life or public life. Nation has lost a true statesman. He gave the blueprint and implemented India's national highways resulting in saving of fuel in crores.

Former PM Vajpayee was a product of pre independence era who imbibed the spirit of gentle persuasion and sophistication sadly missing in the leaders post independence. Never did he show the negative qualities of self centred nature or vindictive attitude.

Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was amiable and gentle in nature. He led RSS and its public Face B.J.P. to the highest Glory. May his soul rest in peace!