Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat described former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a universal leader who had instilled Indian values in public life.

'Vajpayee was a steadfast & universally accepted leader, a great personality who instilled Bharatiya culture & values in public life (sic),' Bhagwat tweeted using the RSS's Twitter handle.

He said the void created by Vajpayee's demise would remain forever.

"We join the nation in paying our deepest respects to the departed soul," Bhagwat said.  -- PTI