NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid glowing tributes to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and made special mention about the political commitment of the BJP stalwart and firmness to uphold ideology.
“Atal Ji wanted democracy to be supreme. He built the Jana Sangh but when the time came to rescue our democracy he and others went to Janata Party. Likewise, when the choice was between remaining in power or comprising on ideology, Vajpayee left Janata Party and formed the BJP,” Mr Modi said addressing a function after releasing a Rs 100 memorial coin in honour of Vajpayee here.
The function was organised by the Union Culture Ministry.
Former Prime Minister Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is to be celebrated on Tuesday as the Good Governance Day.The function was attended among others by BJP patriarch and Vajpayee’s longtime associate L K Advani, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP chief Amit Shah. Union Minister Mahesh Sharma and Late Vajpayee’s family members was also present.
Last year, the Finance Ministry had issued a notification about the introduction of Rs 100 coin.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away on August 16 this year at the age of 93 following a prolonged illness.
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Mr Modi said, it only reflects Vajpayee’s faith in Indian people and the ideology of Jan Sangh and the BJP that immediately after the formation of the nascent outfit BJP, Vajpayee could utter the phrase – “Andhera hatega …..Kamal Khilega (Darkness will make space for light and a day will come when Lotus will bloom)”.
“For some people, power is oxygen…they can’t live without it,” he said in a veiled attack on the opposition parties but pointed out how for long years Vajpayee had discharged his duties towards nation building by sitting even in the opposition benches.
“….. but Vajpayee always spoke about national interest and never compromised on the ideology of the party too,” Prime Minister said.
He further said: “The party which Atal Ji built has become among the largest political parties. Generations of Karyakartas were fortunate to be mentored by him”.
Prime Minister said: “As a speaker, Vajpayee was unparalleled” and will be always remembered as among the best orators the nation has produced.
The 135 gram weighing coin has a portrait of Vajpayee with his name inscribed.
The Rs 100 coin is made up of silver (50 per cent), copper (40 per cent), nickel (5 per cent) and zinc (5 per cent), sources said.
(AGENCIES)
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