Odisha observed the 101st birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday, with top leaders across the political spectrum paying homage to the former Prime Minister and architect of modern India.
Odisha’s leaders, including Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Naveen Patnaik, paid rich tributes to the former prime minister.
Majhi, along with his cabinet colleagues, offered floral tributes at the statue of Vajpayee on the AIIMS Bhubaneswar premises.
Taking to his X account, Kambhampati said, “On the occasion of Good Governance Day, observed to mark the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, we fondly remember a statesman whose humility, wisdom and steadfast commitment to public service left an indelible mark on our nation.”
“His vision of transparent, efficient and people-centric governance continues to guide our collective efforts towards inclusive and sustainable development. I pay our respectful tribute to his inspiring legacy,” he said.
CM Majhi, in a statement, described Vajpayee as a passionate nationalist, exemplar of good governance, leader of the people, and builder of modern India.
“A prominent patriot and humanitarian leader, Atal ji’s personality was unparalleled. He was the true architect of transforming politics into national policy. Every decision he took resonated with the nation’s development and public welfare,” Majhi wrote in a post on X in Odia language.
Patnaik, who previously served in the Vajpayee cabinet, called him a “towering statesman and exemplary parliamentarian.”
“Humble tributes to former prime minister #AtalBihariVajpayee ji on his birth anniversary. Atal ji was a towering statesman, an exemplary parliamentarian, and a luminous poet-orator. Generations will draw inspiration from his ideals, his unwavering commitment to India’s progress and inclusive nation building,” he said in an X post.
Vajpayee, born on December 25, 1924, served three terms as Prime Minister between 1996 and 2004. His birth anniversary was commemorated with various programs and events organized throughout Odisha to celebrate his enduring legacy.
