Daily Times

“It was Atal Ji’s exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century.”

Vajpayee had battled poor health for years but his condition deteriorated sharply in recent days.

His waning health sparked a flurry of visits from top dignitaries Thursday, including Modi and senior cabinet ministers.

Condolences

The former premier was being treated at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where he was admitted nine weeks ago with health complications.

“Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best efforts, we have lost him today,” AIIMS said in a statement.

“We join the nation in deeply mourning this great loss.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “Atal Ji’s passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me.” He also remembered the late prime minister’s efforts in building the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt termed the death of the former prime minister as ‘ a big loss for country’.

All India Congress Committee General Secretary Avinash Pande also paid tribute to the departing soul.

Vajpayee, a former journalist and poet-turned-politician, was credited with helping lay the foundations for the meteoric rise of the  BJP the right-wing political powerhouse that rules India today.