New Delhi, August 16:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, describing him as a guiding force whose service and vision continue to inspire India’s journey towards progress and self-reliance.

In a post on X, Modi wrote, “Remembering Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. His spirit of service and unwavering commitment to the nation remain a source of inspiration in building a developed and self-reliant India.”

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister offered floral tributes at Vajpayee’s memorial, Sadaiv Atal, in Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also joined the homage ceremony. Several Union ministers, senior BJP leaders, and family members of Vajpayee were present at the solemn occasion.

Vajpayee, one of India’s tallest political leaders, served three terms as Prime Minister, with his full tenure from 1999 to 2004. Known for his statesmanship, poetic expression, and consensus-building politics, he played a key role in strengthening India’s democratic institutions and steering economic reforms.

His leadership during critical moments, including the Pokhran-II nuclear tests and the Kargil War, remains central to his legacy. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2015.

Friday’s tributes highlighted the continued reverence for Vajpayee’s ideals, with leaders across party lines recalling his ability to blend firm decision-making with inclusive politics, a quality that continues to inspire India’s governance today.