President Murmu, PM Modi and Other Leaders Pay Tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Top leaders offer floral tributes at Sadaiv Atal on the former Prime Minister’s death anniversary and remember his contribution to nation-building.
NEW DELHI, August 16, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal in New Delhi on Sunday, marking his death anniversary.
The leaders also attended a solemn prayer meeting held in Vajpayee’s memory.
SENIOR LEADERS PAY HOMAGE
Former President Ram Nath Kovind, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and BJP national president Nitin Nabin were among those who joined the tributes.
MODI RECALLS VAJPAYEE’S VISION
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi remembered Vajpayee in a post on X, describing him as an exceptional statesman with remarkable vision who dedicated his life to the country.
Modi said Vajpayee’s leadership strengthened India and that his emphasis on good governance and public welfare continues to offer guidance to the nation.
AMIT SHAH HIGHLIGHTS HIS LEGACY
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister, describing Vajpayee as a patriot who devoted his life to national service.
Shah highlighted Vajpayee’s role in projecting India’s strategic strength through the nuclear tests and the Kargil War, while also pointing to his emphasis on Antyodaya and good governance.
VAJPAYEE’S POLITICAL JOURNEY
Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Vajpayee was known not only as a statesman but also as a poet and writer.
He served as Prime Minister on three occasions:
1996: 13-day tenure
1998–1999: 13-month tenure
1999–2004: Full five-year term
Vajpayee died on August 16, 2018, at AIIMS in New Delhi.
NATIONAL LEGACY
Leaders remembering Vajpayee emphasised his contribution to Indian democracy, governance and nation-building, as well as his influence as a parliamentarian and political leader.
His death anniversary brought together senior leaders across the political establishment at Sadaiv Atal to honour his legacy.
