RIP Atalji, Bollywood bids Farewell to the legend of politics and Poetry

Atal Bihari Vajpayee thrice served as the Prime Minister, first for a term of 13 days in 1996, for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004. Atal Bihari Vajpayee joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1939, and in 1951, was seconded to its political wing, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He steadily rose in its hierarchy and became its national president in 1968.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the first non-Congress leader to serve a full term in power, died on Thursday at the AIIMS where he had been undergoing treatment for a kidney ailment since June. Renowned for his powerful oratory and poetry, Vajpayee, 93, one of the founder members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), served as prime minister for 13 days in 1996, 13 months (1998-99) at the head of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and then for a full five year term (1999-2004).He had announced his retirement from electoral politics in 2005 and withdrew further from public life in 2009 after suffering a stroke that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia.

Born in Gwalior on December 25, 1924, Vajpayee joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1939, and in 1951, was seconded to its political wing, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He steadily rose in its hierarchy and became its national president in 1968. After the Janata Party’s collapse, Vajpayee, along with long-time associate LK Advani and others, set up the BJP in 1980. A parliamentarian for over four decades, he was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2015. Vajpayee became the first person to deliver a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in Hindi. The three-time former PM along with LK Advani and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat formed the BJP in 1980.

Former Prime Minister & Bharat Ratna #AtalBihariVaajpayee passes away in AIIMS. He was 93. pic.twitter.com/r12aIPF5G0

— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

Bollywood celebrities pay their tributes to one of the greatest politician of our nation:

Rishitulya purva pradhan mantri Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji ke swargwas ki vaarta sunke mujhe aise (cont) https://t.co/1w1sEjs1eB

— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) August 16, 2018

Hum Haar nahin manenge
Hum raar nayee thanege
Teri reet Atal rakhenge
Tere geet atal rakhenge
Heartfelt respect for Hriday purush #ShriAtalBihariVajpayee
🙏प्रसून#श्रीअटलबिहारीवाजपेयी

— Prasoon Joshi (@prasoonjoshi_) August 16, 2018

Indeed a big loss for our country as we pay our last tribute to #AtalBihariVajpayee ji. He was a close family friend and his legacy will forever be remembered. Thank you for your selfless service, sir! My heartfelt condolence to everyone.

— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) August 16, 2018

RIP #AtalBihariVaajpayeeJi .. you will be remembered as one of India’s greatest leaders, as an exemplary statesman, as a tour de force for peace and unity and most of all as a genuine, warm, approachable human being.

— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) August 16, 2018

It is rare to find love and respect across the entire politcal spectrum.

Atalji, was the rarest of them all.

Alvida #AtalBihariVajpayee.

— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) August 16, 2018

A true legend, respected statesman, phenomenal poet, tall leader beyond stature, respected by even his strongest critics and rivals...#Atalji passes on. Leaving behind a legacy of greatness that will inspire generations forever! #AtalBihariVajpayee pic.twitter.com/JewgmAKQjl

— Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) August 16, 2018

Over come with such deep sadness..
Bharat has lost its Ratan #Atalji🙏
..
“मौत की उमर क्या है? दो पल भी नहीं,
ज़िन्दगी सिलसिला, आज कल की नहीं
मैं जी भर जिया, मैं मन से मरूं,
लौटकर आऊँगा, कूच से क्यों डरूं?” #अटल_बिहारी_बाजपेयी #AtalBihariVaajpayee pic.twitter.com/eTkzyAJRy8

— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) August 16, 2018