Updated On: 16 August, 2024 12:31 PM IST | ronak mastakar
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former prime minister and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary on Friday. (Pics/PTI)

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They were joined by other dignitaries, including Union ministers, and leaders from different parties in paying homage to Vajpayee at his memorial `Sadaiv Atal` in Delhi
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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla along with other members of the Cabinet also attended the prayer meeting at `Sadaiv Atal`, the memorial of the former prime minister

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In his tribute, Modi said on X, "He is remembered by countless people for his unparalleled contribution to nation-building. He devoted his entire life towards ensuring that our fellow citizens lead a better quality of life. We will keep working to fulfil his vision for India"
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A widely-respected politician acknowledged as among the finest orators, Vajpayee played a crucial role in drawing allies for his party in the coalition era of the `90s and became the first prime minister from the BJP

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His stewardship of the country between 1998-2004 is known for reforms and boost to infrastructure sectors. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 93 years
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Born in Gwalior in 1924, Vajpayee was the face of the BJP for decades and was the first non-Congress prime minister to have served a full term in office

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Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India from May 16, 1996, to June 1, 1996, and again from 19 March 1998 to 22 May 2004
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He also served as India`s External Affairs Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Moraji Desai from 1977 to 1979

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He passed away at AIIMS Hospital in Delhi on August 16, 2018
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