Advani remembers his closest friend for 65 years, Vajpayee
What's the story
Former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away at AIIMS on Thursday, creating a void in Indian politics that can't be filled ever.
Reacting to his death, LK Advani, who formed the BJP with Vajpayee said he lost a friend of 65 years. "I am at a loss of words," he said.
PM Narendra Modi said this was a personal loss for him.
Twitter Post
He was an inspiration, tweets Modi
Atal Ji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018
The grief
Gentle giant Atalji will be missed: President Kovind
President Ram Nath Kovind praised Vajpayee's statesmanship and added, "His leadership, foresight, maturity & eloquence put him in league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one & all."
Meanwhile, BJP President Amit Shah tweeted Vajpayee's words, his poems and far-sightedness will enlighten them forever. He added his death was a sad news not only for BJP but for the entire nation.
Twitter Post
Amit Shah shares Vajpayee's poem, pays homage
ठन गई
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 16, 2018
मौत से ठन गई
जूझने का मेरा इरादा न था
मोड़ पर मिलेंगे इसका वादा न था
रास्ता रोक वह खड़ी हो गई
यों लगा ज़िन्दगी से बड़ी हो गई
मौत की उमर क्या है?दो पल भी नहीं
ज़िन्दगी सिलसिला,आज कल की नहीं
मैं जी भर जिया, मैं मन से मरूँ
लौटकर आऊँगा,कूच से क्यों डरूँ? pic.twitter.com/g9mqVzza17
The death
Rajnath Singh says life's going to be difficult without Vajpayee
Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh tweeted he can't imagine his life without the footprints of Vajpayee. "In Atalji's demise the nation has lost a stalwart who was known for statesmanship and astute leadership," he tweeted.
Notably, Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS nine weeks ago. He was put on life support after his condition declined.
AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria was monitoring his health.
Quote
Condoling Vajpayee's death, RaGa tweets India lost a great son
"Today India lost a great son. Former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family & all his admirers. We will miss him," tweeted Rahul Gandhi.