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Thu, 16 August 2018
Have lost a part of my childhood: SRK on Vajpayee's demise
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23:50 Have lost a part of my childhood: SRK on Vajpayee's demise
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan today mourned the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying that the country has lost a father figure and a great leader.
SRK took to his Twitter account to share his childhood memory.
"My father use to take me for every speech that Mr. Vajpayee made in Delhi when I was growing up. Years on I had the opportunity to meet him and spend lots of time discussing poetry, films, politics and our ailing knees. I also had the privilege of enacting one of his poems for screen," the actor said.
"He was fondly addressed as 'Baapji' at home. Today the country has lost a Father Figure and a great leader," he added.
He concluded by saying that he has lost a part of his childhood and growing up the memory of learning to smile.
"Personally I have lost a part of my childhood and growing up memories of learning smiling and of course poetry. I consider myself the luckiest to have had his influence on my life during my formative years. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends," Khan said.
"Will miss your smiling face Baapji," the actor said.
23:08 Vajpayee, a towering figure, who stood for democratic values: Sonia
United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi today described former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a "towering figure" who stood for democratic values and demonstrated this commitment in all his acts.
Expressing sadness over his demise, the former Congress chief said his warm personality and gift of friendship won him admirers and friends across the political spectrum and every walk of life.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee....His death leaves behind a huge void. I join millions of our fellow Indians in mourning his loss and pray for the departed soul," she said in her condolence message.
"Shri Vajpayee was a towering figure in our national life. Throughout his life, he stood for democratic values and demonstrated this commitment in all his acts, whether as a parliamentarian, a cabinet minister, or prime minister of India. He was a spell-binding orator, a leader of great vision, a patriot to the core for whom the national interest was paramount.
"But above all, he was a man with a very large heart and a real spirit of magnanimity. One saw that in all his interactions -- with other political parties and their leaders, with foreign governments, with coalition partners, and indeed with his own political colleagues, whom he always treated with respect and courtesy," she said.
Vajpayee, one of India's most charismatic leaders who led the nation through several crises while holding together a tenuous coalition with his inclusive politics and superlative oratory, died in New Delhi today. He was 93. -- PTI
23:03 'Despite some differences, RSS always close to Vajpayee's heart'
Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh were sometimes not in sync but the organisation that gave him his ideological moorings was always close to his heart, RSS old-timers said.
Vajpayee, a full-time RSS worker, always maintained he was a product of the organisation, which laid the foundation stone of his political career, they said.
Issues like overtures to Pakistan from the coalition government headed by him and the disinvestment of public run companies created fissures -- with severe criticism from RSS affiliates Swadeshi Jagran Manch and Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh -- but Vajpayee never distanced himself from the RSS.
There were some differences between him and the RSS' top leadership during his tenure as prime minister but it mattered little in the overall scheme of things, long time members of the RSS said.
Vajpayee had clearly stated his government was selling stake in sick companies which were not possible to turn around. He also continued with his initiatives for dialogue with Pakistan.
Vajpayee as prime minister was more a politician then an RSS worker. He perhaps preferred politics over ideology, the Sangh functionaries said, adding that he never stopped meeting and interacting with Sangh leaders.
"The relations between Vajpayeeji and RSS leaders were quite cordial, he called them many times at his official residence on 7, Lok Kalyan Marg and discussed various issues," Ashok Tandon, media advisor to the former prime minister, told PTI.
During an interview in 2005, a year after the BJP had lost the general elections, then RSS chief K Sudarshan said Vajpayee should retire from politics.
Vajpayee once described the RSS as his soul in an article written by him in 1995 in the RSS weekly Organiser.
"The simple reason for my long association with the RSS is that I like the Sangh. I like its ideology, and above all, I like the RSS attitude towards people, towards one another which is found only in the RSS," he wrote.
"Man-making is the prime job of the RSS. As we now have more workers, we are covering all sections of the society in all fields of life. Changes are taking place in all spheres. But the work of man-making will not be discontinued, it will go on. It must go on. That is what the RSS movement is," he added. -- PTI
22:52 PM to visit flood-hit Kerala
Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Kerala and undertake an aerial survey of the flood ravaged areas on Saturday, Union Minister K J Alphons today said.
Modi was expected to reach Kochi tomorrow after attending the funeral of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he told reporters.
The funeral of Vajpayee, who passed away today, has been scheduled for 4 pm tomorrow in Delhi.
After an overnight stay at Kochi, the Prime Minister will undertake an aerial survey of the flood affected areas on Saturday, Alphons said.
Modi has already been in touch with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and had assured all assistance.
The prime minister has taken a "positive stand" towards the state on relief measures, Vijayan had said yesterday after he spoke to him for the second time in the past few days.
Kerala has been ravaged by unprecedented floods following torrential rains that also triggered landslides, claiming 97 lives since August 8 besides disrupting air, rail and road traffic in several places.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had on August 12 undertook an aerial survey of the floot-hit regions and announced an immediate central assistance of Rs 100 crore to the state for relief works. -- PTI
22:51 Paes pulls out of Asian Games
Miffed at not getting a "specialist" men's doubles partner, veteran tennis star Leander Paes today pulled out of the 18th Asian Games starting on Saturday.
The 45-year-old Indian, winner of 18 Grand Slams, was asked to team up with struggling singles player Sumit Nagal after All India Tennis Association agreed to pair country's top doubles players Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan in the men's doubles, on their request.
Paes was already miffed at his exclusion from TOP Scheme but had made himself available for the Asian Games, where he has won eight medals, including five gold.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have to say that I will not be playing the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia," Paes said in a statement sent to PTI.
"Despite my repeated requests, from so many weeks in advance, it is sad that we have not been able to put a doubles specialist in the team for a credible second doubles pairing for the Asian Games."
With Sharan and Bopanna deciding to play together, captain Zeeshan Ali had no choice but to pair Paes with Nagal or Ramkumar Ramanathan.
While Ramkumar is primarily a singles player and plays doubles occasionally, Nagal is in terrible form. He has lost nine straight first round matches on the Pro circuit, coming into the Asian Games.
Paes has questioned why AITA didn't field two specialist doubles teams.
"Ramkumar Ramanathan is a very good player, and I would love to play doubles with him. But considering that he has a golden chance to win the singles medal, it is not fair to distract him from his best event," Paes said further in the statement.
Paes was to return to the Games after missing the previous two editions.
"Our doubles specialists like Sriram Balaji, Vishnu Vardhan, Purav Raja and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan have been doing exceptionally well this season and one of them definitely deserved to strengthen the Asian Games squad," Paes said.
India as of now have five players in top-100 -- Bopanna (32), Sharan (38), Paes (79), Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan (88) and Purav Raja (90).
The next best two players -- N Sriram Balaji (112) and Vishnu Vardhan (115) were also in top-100 some weeks back.
Paes, however, asserted that his absence would not adversely affect India's chances.
"Rather than affecting the team's chances, I believe that my absence would only help the rest to play more events, be it doubles or mixed doubles," he said.
"I have been in constant touch with Captain Zeeshan Ali and have had long discussions with him with regard to Rohan Bopanna's injury.
"I am happy to learn that Rohan has recovered and as such a doubles medal for India is almost assured. Without his availability it wouldn't have been fair for me to withdraw as that may have impacted a possible gold from tennis." -- PTI
22:08 We have lost an Atal Ratna: PM mourns Vajpayee's death
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Atal Bihari Vajpayee was like a "father figure" to him and his death has a created a "void" that can't be healed.
"We have lost our inspiration. We have lost an atal ratna. The personality of Atalji and the sadness due to his demise can't be described in words," said Modi in televised speech mourning the former prime minister.
Modi called Vajpayee a "wonderful orator" and a "prolific writer".
"I have lost a father figure today. Atalji taught me valuable aspects about sangathan (organisation) and shaasan (governance)," he said.
The three-time prime minister's death has sparked tributes from across the political spectrum.
Vajpayee will be cremated on Friday in Delhi with full state honours
21:16
Mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee wrapped in the tricolour at his residence.
21:01 Vajpayee's mortal remains to leave BJP HQ for cremation at 1 pm
The last rites of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will take place at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Delhi, sources in the government said. The government has earmarked a 1.5 acre plot for his memorial. The body of the BJP veteran will be kept at his official residence 6 A Krishna Menon Marg tonight to allow people to pay their homage. It would be taken to the BJP headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg tomorrow morning, the sources said.
The government today announced seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the former prime minister.
In a circular, the Home Ministry also said national flag would be flown at half mast from today for seven days across India and a state funeral would be accorded to Vajpayee. "As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from August 16-22, both days inclusive.
"During this period, the national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of the state mourning," the Home Ministry said.Vajpayee passed away at the AIIMS here this evening at the age of 93 due to prolonged illness. -- PTI
The government today announced seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the former prime minister.
In a circular, the Home Ministry also said national flag would be flown at half mast from today for seven days across India and a state funeral would be accorded to Vajpayee. "As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from August 16-22, both days inclusive.
"During this period, the national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of the state mourning," the Home Ministry said.Vajpayee passed away at the AIIMS here this evening at the age of 93 due to prolonged illness. -- PTI
20:54 Aretha Franklin death: Queen of Soul dies aged 76
Aretha Franklin has died at the age of 76. The legendary singer was first reported to be "gravely ill" in a Detroit hospice by news anchor and close friend Evrod Cassimy.
Franklin, who was set to retire from live music in February 2019, last performed live last November at Elton John's annual AIDS Foundation gala. She confirmed her retirement to Cassimy while simultaneously announcing plans to work on a new record with Stevie Wonder.
Franklin, who was set to retire from live music in February 2019, last performed live last November at Elton John's annual AIDS Foundation gala. She confirmed her retirement to Cassimy while simultaneously announcing plans to work on a new record with Stevie Wonder.
20:53
Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 94. 11 missing, 41 injured, 165538 people in 1155 relief camps, 2857 houses damaged and 3393 hectares of crop loss.
20:50 Mamata arrives at Vajpayee's residence
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee arrives at former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence, where his mortal remains are kept.
20:45 'The way to Vajpayeej's heart was through his stomach'
"I often traveled with him in his aircraft during his foreign tours and en route we used to discuss various political and geographical aspects of those countries.
"He loved to eat, particularly, the sea food. I remember during our visit to the Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in 2001, we were served with exotic Vietnamese cuisine at a banquet hosted in his honour, that had a huge variety of sea food.
"I was sitting at a little distance from Vajpayeeji, who was on a high table with Vietanamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.We were served a huge lobster.
"While I struggled to eat that, I saw Vajpayeeji happily enjoying his meal, and the lobster. He tried everything on the table and continued eating till the last, even though his host Vietnamese PM had finished eating much before him.It was generally believed that way to Vajpayeeji's heart was through his stomach.
"So, whenever any of the Indian ambassadors wanted to get into his good books, they would fly best chefs to cook for him. It happened in Malaysia in 2001, I remember.Vajpayeeji was also a nature lover. At a cliff in Bali (Indonesia), where he had gone to attend the ASEAN Summit in 2003, Vajpayee stood silently for a long time watching the water of Indian and Pacific Ocean splashing the hills down. He then turned towards me and said, "Look Premji, how the two oceans meet!" And then we watched the scenic beauty together for a while from that hill top.
Coming to the administrator's side of Vajpayeeji, I must say, he was a tough negotiator, and had the nerve to beat Pakistan's then President Pervez Musharraf in the game of brinkmanship. Islamabad has always tried to outplay India on the issue of Kashmir. But with Vajpayeeji, it was clear to them that there was no chance.
In Agra in 2001, when Musharraf tried playing this brinkmanship card with Vajpayeeji, I was praying and hoping that India does not surrender to the pressure.
And, I felt very good when Vajpayeeji gave a terse reply to Musharraf and made him go back empty-handed. Musharraf packed his bag, cancelled his pilgrimage to Ajmer Sharif Dargah and left India. That was the power of this man. -- Prem Kishan/ANI
"He loved to eat, particularly, the sea food. I remember during our visit to the Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in 2001, we were served with exotic Vietnamese cuisine at a banquet hosted in his honour, that had a huge variety of sea food.
"I was sitting at a little distance from Vajpayeeji, who was on a high table with Vietanamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.We were served a huge lobster.
"While I struggled to eat that, I saw Vajpayeeji happily enjoying his meal, and the lobster. He tried everything on the table and continued eating till the last, even though his host Vietnamese PM had finished eating much before him.It was generally believed that way to Vajpayeeji's heart was through his stomach.
"So, whenever any of the Indian ambassadors wanted to get into his good books, they would fly best chefs to cook for him. It happened in Malaysia in 2001, I remember.Vajpayeeji was also a nature lover. At a cliff in Bali (Indonesia), where he had gone to attend the ASEAN Summit in 2003, Vajpayee stood silently for a long time watching the water of Indian and Pacific Ocean splashing the hills down. He then turned towards me and said, "Look Premji, how the two oceans meet!" And then we watched the scenic beauty together for a while from that hill top.
Coming to the administrator's side of Vajpayeeji, I must say, he was a tough negotiator, and had the nerve to beat Pakistan's then President Pervez Musharraf in the game of brinkmanship. Islamabad has always tried to outplay India on the issue of Kashmir. But with Vajpayeeji, it was clear to them that there was no chance.
In Agra in 2001, when Musharraf tried playing this brinkmanship card with Vajpayeeji, I was praying and hoping that India does not surrender to the pressure.
And, I felt very good when Vajpayeeji gave a terse reply to Musharraf and made him go back empty-handed. Musharraf packed his bag, cancelled his pilgrimage to Ajmer Sharif Dargah and left India. That was the power of this man. -- Prem Kishan/ANI
20:39 Vajpayee's mortal remains reach home
Delhi: The mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee have been brought to his residence.
20:22 US embassy: He will be remembered for his immense contribution in bolstering US-India relations
United States grieves with India on the loss of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He will be remembered for his immense contribution in bolstering US-India relations. During his tenure, Prime Minister Vajpayee advocated for robust partnership with the United States, referring to us as "natural allies". The US Mission in India extends our deepest condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Vajpayee and the citizens of India: US Embassy
20:15 Vajpayee's body leaves AIIMS, to lie at his residence overnight
Atal Bihari Vajpayee's body will be kept at his Krishna Menon Marg residence overnight. His mortal remains are now being taken home from AIIMS after embalming.
The mortal remains will be taken to the BJP headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road , at 10am on Friday, where it will lie for people to pay their final respects till 1:30 pm. The final rites will take place near Rajghat at Smriti Sthal 5pm. He will be accorded a state funeral.
The government also announced a seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the former prime minister. In a circular, the home ministry also said national flag would be flown at half mast from today for seven days across India and a state funeral would be accorded to Vajpayee.
The BJP rode on the former prime minister's larger than the party image and avuncular manners to win over new allies and back to back victories in Lok Sabha elections in 1998 and 1999 to become a dominant force, eclipsing the Congress for the first time.
Never the one who wore the party's core Hindutva ideology on his sleeve, the poet- politician led the party from 1980, when it was founded by leaders of the erstwhile Jana Sangh which was merged with Janata Party briefly, to 1986 but with little electoral success as it won only two seats in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections.
However, it was L K Advani who was at the centre of the BJP's rise through the late 80s and early 90s as it rode the Ram Janmbhoomi movement pushed by its Hindutva affiliates like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and fuelled by 'rath yatra' in 1990 in support of a temple in Ayodhya.
The mortal remains will be taken to the BJP headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road , at 10am on Friday, where it will lie for people to pay their final respects till 1:30 pm. The final rites will take place near Rajghat at Smriti Sthal 5pm. He will be accorded a state funeral.
The government also announced a seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the former prime minister. In a circular, the home ministry also said national flag would be flown at half mast from today for seven days across India and a state funeral would be accorded to Vajpayee.
The BJP rode on the former prime minister's larger than the party image and avuncular manners to win over new allies and back to back victories in Lok Sabha elections in 1998 and 1999 to become a dominant force, eclipsing the Congress for the first time.
Never the one who wore the party's core Hindutva ideology on his sleeve, the poet- politician led the party from 1980, when it was founded by leaders of the erstwhile Jana Sangh which was merged with Janata Party briefly, to 1986 but with little electoral success as it won only two seats in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections.
However, it was L K Advani who was at the centre of the BJP's rise through the late 80s and early 90s as it rode the Ram Janmbhoomi movement pushed by its Hindutva affiliates like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and fuelled by 'rath yatra' in 1990 in support of a temple in Ayodhya.
19:42 Kashmir separatists pay tribute
A section of separatist leaders in Srinagar today said former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was a "great man" and a rare leader with "humaneness" who sought a resolution of the issues related to Kashmir.
"I am sad to hear about the demise of A B Vajpayeeji. Atalji was indeed a rare Indian leader who had the humaneness to seek the resolution of the festering Kashmir dispute in the wide ambit of humanity and not within the confines of a constitution," chairman of moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told PTI.
He said the former Prime Minister made sincere efforts to walk his talk when he initiated unconditional talks with the Hurriyat conference. "He was also a man of peace for his neighbours, especially wanted cordial and peaceful relations with Pakistan and was ready to address all issues including the core issue of Kashmir through dialogue. May his soul rest in peace," he added.
Former Hurriyat chairman Professor Abdul Gani Bhat said Vajpayee was "a great man in more than many cases". "His politics was broadly consisted of reconciliation and balancing...and he did it towards the end of his tenure as prime minister," Bhat said.
Bhat said Vajpayee's efforts to improve relations with Pakistan and settle the dispute in Jammu and Kashmir will go down in the annals of history as a singular effort to build a stable, prosperous and peaceful south Asia.
"Now is the time, while paying tributes to the great man, for the leadership of the sub-continent to follow his vision of a peaceful region. Initiate a dialogue and resolve all disputes including the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir in the interests of peace, prosperity and development," he added. -- PTI
"I am sad to hear about the demise of A B Vajpayeeji. Atalji was indeed a rare Indian leader who had the humaneness to seek the resolution of the festering Kashmir dispute in the wide ambit of humanity and not within the confines of a constitution," chairman of moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told PTI.
He said the former Prime Minister made sincere efforts to walk his talk when he initiated unconditional talks with the Hurriyat conference. "He was also a man of peace for his neighbours, especially wanted cordial and peaceful relations with Pakistan and was ready to address all issues including the core issue of Kashmir through dialogue. May his soul rest in peace," he added.
Former Hurriyat chairman Professor Abdul Gani Bhat said Vajpayee was "a great man in more than many cases". "His politics was broadly consisted of reconciliation and balancing...and he did it towards the end of his tenure as prime minister," Bhat said.
Bhat said Vajpayee's efforts to improve relations with Pakistan and settle the dispute in Jammu and Kashmir will go down in the annals of history as a singular effort to build a stable, prosperous and peaceful south Asia.
"Now is the time, while paying tributes to the great man, for the leadership of the sub-continent to follow his vision of a peaceful region. Initiate a dialogue and resolve all disputes including the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir in the interests of peace, prosperity and development," he added. -- PTI
19:35 7-day mourning for Vajpayee
Delhi govt offices, schools to remain closed tomorrow as mark of respect to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, says Dy CM Manish Sisodia. The Centre has also announced a seven-day mourning for Vajpayee.
19:33 Vajpayee was decisive leader acceptable to all: RSS
The RSS today paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee saying he was a decisive leader who was acceptable to all. "With his ideas and conduct, he established the Indian cultural values in his public life. He was an intense, decisive leader who was acceptable to all," the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh said in a statement issued jointly by its chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi. The vacuum created by the demise of such a tall leader will not be easy to fill, the Sangh said.
19:26 Vajpayee died of multi-organ failure: AIIMS
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died in New Delhi today after prolonged illness, suffered pneumonia and multi-organ failure, doctors at AIIMS said.
The 93-year-old veteran politician, who died at 05:05 PM, was also put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support on his last day, they said. His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted on June 11 with a variety of ailments.
"He suffered pneumonia and multi-organ failure, including kidney failure. He was put on ECMO support on the last day," said a doctor on the condition of anonymity.
ECMO is a technique of providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to persons whose heart and lungs are unable to provide an adequate amount of gas exchange or perfusion to sustain life.
The ECMO circuit acts as an artificial heart and lung for patients during therapy. The former prime minister was admitted to the hospital with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
Doctors said he was being given intermittent dialysis. Vajpayee, a diabetic, had only one functional kidney. He suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities.
Subsequently, he developed dementia. His body has been sent to the Anatomy Department for embalming, doctors said.
Vajpayee was one of India's most charismatic leaders who led the nation through several crises and held together a tenuous coalition with his inclusive politics.
The AIIMS in statement said that his condition was stable for the last nine weeks, but "unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems." -- PTI
The 93-year-old veteran politician, who died at 05:05 PM, was also put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support on his last day, they said. His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted on June 11 with a variety of ailments.
"He suffered pneumonia and multi-organ failure, including kidney failure. He was put on ECMO support on the last day," said a doctor on the condition of anonymity.
ECMO is a technique of providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to persons whose heart and lungs are unable to provide an adequate amount of gas exchange or perfusion to sustain life.
The ECMO circuit acts as an artificial heart and lung for patients during therapy. The former prime minister was admitted to the hospital with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
Doctors said he was being given intermittent dialysis. Vajpayee, a diabetic, had only one functional kidney. He suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities.
Subsequently, he developed dementia. His body has been sent to the Anatomy Department for embalming, doctors said.
Vajpayee was one of India's most charismatic leaders who led the nation through several crises and held together a tenuous coalition with his inclusive politics.
The AIIMS in statement said that his condition was stable for the last nine weeks, but "unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems." -- PTI
18:55 Manmohan Singh: Among the tallest leaders of modern India
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh dscribed Vajpayee as a great prime minister and an outstanding parliamentarian. "I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji. An excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional Public Servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian and a great Prime Minister, Shri Vajpayeeji stood among the tallest leaders of modern India, who spent his whole life serving our great country. His services to our nation will be remembered for a long time to come," Singh said in his condolence statement. -- PTI
18:50 Vajpayee's body to be taken home for public homage
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's body will be taken to his residence at Krishna Menon Marg in New Delhi for people to pay their last respects, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has announced.
Vajpayee, a bachelor, is survived by his adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya.
His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital where he was admitted June 11 with a variety of ailments. "It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at 5:05 pm," the AIIMS said in a statement.
Vajpayee, a bachelor, is survived by his adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya.
His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital where he was admitted June 11 with a variety of ailments. "It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at 5:05 pm," the AIIMS said in a statement.
18:36
BJP MP Varun Gandhi: To one of the finest human beings that ever lived. A gentle giant of Indian politics. I will miss you everyday Atal ji..
18:31 Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The man with no enemies
Statesman and pragmatist, orator and poet, a man of peace and conviction. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a towering nationalist who softened the often sharp edge of his party's politics with sophisticated inclusiveness, earning him the sobriquet "ajaat shatru" or the man with no enemies.
The first prime minister from a non-Congress party to complete a full term in office, Vajpayee began shakily -- his first stint as prime minister in 1996 lasted only 13 days when his unlikely coalition government failed to get support from other parties.
The BJP-led coalition government came back to power in 1998, and this time Vajpayee stayed in office for 13 months before losing a no-confidence motion by one vote.
The National Democratic Alliance returned to power in October 1999 with Vajpayee as prime minister once again. This time he lasted the entire term, capping a glorious career that saw him go from student activist to journalist, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh pracharak, Member of Parliament, foreign minister, opposition leader and finally a much-loved leader of the nation. -- PTI
The first prime minister from a non-Congress party to complete a full term in office, Vajpayee began shakily -- his first stint as prime minister in 1996 lasted only 13 days when his unlikely coalition government failed to get support from other parties.
The BJP-led coalition government came back to power in 1998, and this time Vajpayee stayed in office for 13 months before losing a no-confidence motion by one vote.
The National Democratic Alliance returned to power in October 1999 with Vajpayee as prime minister once again. This time he lasted the entire term, capping a glorious career that saw him go from student activist to journalist, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh pracharak, Member of Parliament, foreign minister, opposition leader and finally a much-loved leader of the nation. -- PTI
18:25 He was my closest friend for 65 years: LK Advani
LK Advani: I am at a loss for words. He was my closest friend for 65 years. I cherish our long association. I am privileged to have worked as his deputy. He had a remarkable ability to win over adversaries.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh: This is a very sad moment for us that Atal ji is no more. Shortly his mortal remains will be taken to his residence where people can pay tribute to him.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Very very saddened that the great statesman and former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji is no more with us. His passing away is a very big loss to our nation. I will always cherish the many fond memories. Condolences to his family and his many admirers. Let us cherish the idea of India for which our freedom fighters laid down their lives. Our people and our great institutions must strive to remain independent, in the true sense of the word.
Ratan N. Tata: All of us who knew Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee are saddened to hear of his passing away. He was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humor. He will be remembered fondly by a vast number of us.
Omar Abdullah: Vajpayee Sahib is no more & I feel a personal sense of loss at his passing. Thank you sir for the opportunities, for the trust you reposed in me, for the opportunities to travel with you & to learn from you. You will be greatly missed
Words mean so little at a time like this but words are all we have to convey the deepest condolences to Gunu, to Neha, to Ranjan & the entire family. May God give you strength to bear this tremendous loss. #AtalBihariVajpayee.
BJP MP Dr. Harsh Vardhan: Indian scientific community would ever be grateful to #AtalBihariVajpayee - he expanded Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan to include Jai Vigyan after the nuclear test at Pokhran.His courageous decision to go for the 2nd nuclear test was the beginning of an India to reckon with. @BJP4India
Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb: Extremely saddened to hear about the passing away of one of our greatest inspirations for nation building, Bharat Ratna Shri #AtalBihariVajpayeeji.
Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje: I remember those early days of #BJP when under Atal ji and Rajmata ji I took my first steps into politics. Learning the ropes from the best, Atal jis wisdom and wit always proved to be an unmatched combination - his trademark style that #India came to love. #AtalBihariVajpayee
Congress: Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a great leader, loved by many & revered by all. We grieve his demise & our thoughts & prayers are with his family today.
Image: Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje tweeted this picture former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh: This is a very sad moment for us that Atal ji is no more. Shortly his mortal remains will be taken to his residence where people can pay tribute to him.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: Very very saddened that the great statesman and former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji is no more with us. His passing away is a very big loss to our nation. I will always cherish the many fond memories. Condolences to his family and his many admirers. Let us cherish the idea of India for which our freedom fighters laid down their lives. Our people and our great institutions must strive to remain independent, in the true sense of the word.
Ratan N. Tata: All of us who knew Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee are saddened to hear of his passing away. He was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humor. He will be remembered fondly by a vast number of us.
Omar Abdullah: Vajpayee Sahib is no more & I feel a personal sense of loss at his passing. Thank you sir for the opportunities, for the trust you reposed in me, for the opportunities to travel with you & to learn from you. You will be greatly missed
Words mean so little at a time like this but words are all we have to convey the deepest condolences to Gunu, to Neha, to Ranjan & the entire family. May God give you strength to bear this tremendous loss. #AtalBihariVajpayee.
BJP MP Dr. Harsh Vardhan: Indian scientific community would ever be grateful to #AtalBihariVajpayee - he expanded Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan to include Jai Vigyan after the nuclear test at Pokhran.His courageous decision to go for the 2nd nuclear test was the beginning of an India to reckon with. @BJP4India
Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb: Extremely saddened to hear about the passing away of one of our greatest inspirations for nation building, Bharat Ratna Shri #AtalBihariVajpayeeji.
Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje: I remember those early days of #BJP when under Atal ji and Rajmata ji I took my first steps into politics. Learning the ropes from the best, Atal jis wisdom and wit always proved to be an unmatched combination - his trademark style that #India came to love. #AtalBihariVajpayee
Congress: Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a great leader, loved by many & revered by all. We grieve his demise & our thoughts & prayers are with his family today.
Image: Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje tweeted this picture former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
18:06 Rahul: India lost a great son.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi: Today India lost a great son. Former PM #AtalBihariVaajpayeeji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family & all his admirers. We will miss him.
18:04 Venkaiah Naidu: Vajpayee was a friendly, lovable PM
Vice President Of India Venkaiah Naid @VPSecretariat tweets: Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the effulgent shining star in India's political firmament, was a friendly and lovable Prime Minister India has had. In his passing away, India has lost a multi-faceted 'Ratna', a diamond that adorned Bharata Mata for many decades. #AtalBihariVajpayee
18:03
Rashtriya Smriti near Rajghat to be Vajpayee's final resting place, reports ABP News.
17:59 I feel a great void: PM on Vajpayee's death
PM Narendra Modi tweets his condolences on the passing away of former PM and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
"India grieves the demise of our beloved Atalji. I feel a great void.
"His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti.
"It was Atalji's exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century. His futuristic policies across various sectors touched the lives of each and every citizen of India.
"Atalji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit.
"It was due to the perseverance and struggles of Atalji that the BJP was built brick by brick. He travelled across the length and breadth of India to spread the BJP's message, which led to the BJP becoming a strong force in our national polity and in several states. He was a leader with no enemies."
Image: Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee with LK Advani and the then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi.
"India grieves the demise of our beloved Atalji. I feel a great void.
"His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti.
"It was Atalji's exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century. His futuristic policies across various sectors touched the lives of each and every citizen of India.
"Atalji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit.
"It was due to the perseverance and struggles of Atalji that the BJP was built brick by brick. He travelled across the length and breadth of India to spread the BJP's message, which led to the BJP becoming a strong force in our national polity and in several states. He was a leader with no enemies."
Image: Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee with LK Advani and the then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi.
17:48 President: Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one & all
President Kovind tweets: "Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former Prime Minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity & eloquence put him in a league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one & all."
17:44 I am filled with emotions right now: PM condoles Vajpayee's death
PM Narendra Modi tweets moments after Vajpayee's death: I have no words, I am filled with emotions right now. Our respected Atalji is no more. Every moment of his life he had dedicated to the nation.
17:42 Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has passed away. He was 93.
A bulletin from AIIMS said he died at 5:05 pm. (See the image alongside).
Vajpayee's health worsened over the last 36 hours, the All India Institute of Medical Science said in a press note released this morning that he continued to be in a critical condition and was on life support.
The bulletin released just now said his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best efforts of doctors at the hospital he could not be saved, the press release said.
Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 after complaints of urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP president Amit Shah paid a second visit to Vajpayee in AIIMS this afternoon.
In view of Vajpayee's critical health, BJP has already suspended all its programmes. An event scheduled for 20 August where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to launch a book on Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu's one year in office has also been postponed.
Vajpayee was conferred India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2014. The same year, Modi government declared that Vajpayee's birth anniversary on December 25 -- would be marked as Good Governance Day.
A bulletin from AIIMS said he died at 5:05 pm. (See the image alongside).
Vajpayee's health worsened over the last 36 hours, the All India Institute of Medical Science said in a press note released this morning that he continued to be in a critical condition and was on life support.
The bulletin released just now said his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best efforts of doctors at the hospital he could not be saved, the press release said.
Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 after complaints of urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with BJP president Amit Shah paid a second visit to Vajpayee in AIIMS this afternoon.
In view of Vajpayee's critical health, BJP has already suspended all its programmes. An event scheduled for 20 August where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to launch a book on Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu's one year in office has also been postponed.
Vajpayee was conferred India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2014. The same year, Modi government declared that Vajpayee's birth anniversary on December 25 -- would be marked as Good Governance Day.
17:35 This is what Kochi airport looks like
That's what the Kochi airport looks like. The airport is now expected to remain closed till August 26. The water level inside the airport complex was rising today due to continuing heavy rain. The airport was earlier expected to open on Saturday but with the situation not improving, the closure has been extended.
Twenty-three more NDRF teams to be sent to flood-hit Kerala: Officials. massive landslide kills eight people in Palakkad district of Kerala even as there is no let-up in the torrential rains in the State where additional
defence teams have been rushed to scale up rescue and relief operations.
The country's apex body to handle emergency situation today decided to scale up relief and rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala by involving the three defence services and other agencies, besides providing essential commodities to marooned people in 14 worst-affected districts.
Chaired by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha and attended by chiefs of the three services, secretaries of home, defence and others, the National Crisis Management Committee took stock of the prevailing situation in Kerala and directed all concerned to ensure continued assistance to the state government to meet the crisis, a home ministry spokesperson said. The meeting was held following a directive of the prime minister.
Twenty-three more NDRF teams to be sent to flood-hit Kerala: Officials. massive landslide kills eight people in Palakkad district of Kerala even as there is no let-up in the torrential rains in the State where additional
defence teams have been rushed to scale up rescue and relief operations.
The country's apex body to handle emergency situation today decided to scale up relief and rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala by involving the three defence services and other agencies, besides providing essential commodities to marooned people in 14 worst-affected districts.
Chaired by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha and attended by chiefs of the three services, secretaries of home, defence and others, the National Crisis Management Committee took stock of the prevailing situation in Kerala and directed all concerned to ensure continued assistance to the state government to meet the crisis, a home ministry spokesperson said. The meeting was held following a directive of the prime minister.
17:15 Umar Khalid attack: Special Cell visits crime scene
The Delhi Police's Special Cell, which took over the probe in the alleged attack on JNU student leader Umar Khalid, today recreated the scene of crime outside the Constitution Club to understand the sequence of events, said a senior police officer.
He said police spoke to Khalid, his friends and the shopkeepers near the scene of crime. Khalid was shot at on Monday when he was on his way to take part in an event at the Constitution Club after having tea at a shop outside the venue. He, however, escaped unhurt.
Following the incident, the attacker had fled towards Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. He had an accomplice who was waiting there in a vehicle, police said. We are now scanning CCTV footages in the vicinity of the gurudwara to gain clues to the accused, they said. Police said the probe would also focus on people who trolled Khalid online.
Yesterday, the Delhi Police had handed over the case to its Special Cell, which incidentally is already probing a sedition case against Khalid and two other JNU students. -- PTI
He said police spoke to Khalid, his friends and the shopkeepers near the scene of crime. Khalid was shot at on Monday when he was on his way to take part in an event at the Constitution Club after having tea at a shop outside the venue. He, however, escaped unhurt.
Following the incident, the attacker had fled towards Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. He had an accomplice who was waiting there in a vehicle, police said. We are now scanning CCTV footages in the vicinity of the gurudwara to gain clues to the accused, they said. Police said the probe would also focus on people who trolled Khalid online.
Yesterday, the Delhi Police had handed over the case to its Special Cell, which incidentally is already probing a sedition case against Khalid and two other JNU students. -- PTI
17:09 BJP postpones its national executive
The BJP today postponed its two-day national executive, slated for August 18-19, in the wake of critical health condition of its veteran leader and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
"As of now, the national executive has been postponed, and its dates will be finalised later," a party leader said. Vajpayee is battling for life and remains on advanced life support at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for the second day today. -- PTI
"As of now, the national executive has been postponed, and its dates will be finalised later," a party leader said. Vajpayee is battling for life and remains on advanced life support at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for the second day today. -- PTI
16:41 SC directs reducing water level at Mullaperiyar dam by three feet
The Supreme Court today directed the Disaster Management sub-committee of Mullaperiyar Dam to consider reducing water level up to 139 feet from the present 142 feet, considering the "grave" flood situation in all the 14 districts of Kerala.
A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Indu Malhotra took a serious note of the grim flood situation in Kerala and asked the sub-committee to hold an urgent meeting tomorrow morning with the Centre's National Crisis Management Committee and the Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu and Kerala through a video-conference if physical presence of officials cannot be ensured.
"An effort has to be made to bring down the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam to 139 ft so that the people living downstream should not live in constant fear," the bench said.
However, Tamil Nadu government opposed the plea with regard to bringing down the water level in the dam, saying that the inflow of water presently is over 12,000 cusec in contrast to the outflow of 5,000 cusec. The bench said this was not the time to go into the past and efforts to be made to deal with the present crisis and posted the matter for further hearing at 2 pm tomorrow.
The bench also directed that the affected and displaced people be given adequate relief immediately. It also directed the committee and the NCMS to come out with a disaster management plan and asked Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments to implement with the decisions of the panel.
The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha, informed the court that the NCMS had a meeting today and all possible reliefs are being sent to the flood-affected people of Kerala. -- PTI
A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Indu Malhotra took a serious note of the grim flood situation in Kerala and asked the sub-committee to hold an urgent meeting tomorrow morning with the Centre's National Crisis Management Committee and the Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu and Kerala through a video-conference if physical presence of officials cannot be ensured.
"An effort has to be made to bring down the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam to 139 ft so that the people living downstream should not live in constant fear," the bench said.
However, Tamil Nadu government opposed the plea with regard to bringing down the water level in the dam, saying that the inflow of water presently is over 12,000 cusec in contrast to the outflow of 5,000 cusec. The bench said this was not the time to go into the past and efforts to be made to deal with the present crisis and posted the matter for further hearing at 2 pm tomorrow.
The bench also directed that the affected and displaced people be given adequate relief immediately. It also directed the committee and the NCMS to come out with a disaster management plan and asked Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments to implement with the decisions of the panel.
The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha, informed the court that the NCMS had a meeting today and all possible reliefs are being sent to the flood-affected people of Kerala. -- PTI
16:29
An hour earlier, Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrived at AIIMS.
16:27
Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi arrives at AIIMS to see former PM AB Vajpayee.
16:27 Nearly every single village flooded: Kerala CM
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday informed that the situation prevailing in the state is very serious as nearly all villages are flood affected.
The Chief Minister also informed that more helicopters will be deployed soon for the rescue operation in flood-hit Kerala.
"Very serious situation is prevailing in the state as nearly all villages are flood affected. I had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister, they have offered all support. More helicopters to be deployed soon," Vijayan said.
Vijayan further informed that the water level in the Periyar and Chalakudy rivers will rise and people living within a one kilometre-radius must rehabilitate immediately.
"Alert: the water-level in both Periyar and Chalakudy rivers will rise. People in one kilometre radius of Chalakudy, and those inside half kilometre radius of Aluva, must evacuate the place immediately," the Chief Minister tweeted.
So far, at least 75 people have lost their lives in the havoc.
Image: @vilakudy tweets these pictures of the same house within an interval of a few hours in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala.
The Chief Minister also informed that more helicopters will be deployed soon for the rescue operation in flood-hit Kerala.
"Very serious situation is prevailing in the state as nearly all villages are flood affected. I had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister, they have offered all support. More helicopters to be deployed soon," Vijayan said.
Vijayan further informed that the water level in the Periyar and Chalakudy rivers will rise and people living within a one kilometre-radius must rehabilitate immediately.
"Alert: the water-level in both Periyar and Chalakudy rivers will rise. People in one kilometre radius of Chalakudy, and those inside half kilometre radius of Aluva, must evacuate the place immediately," the Chief Minister tweeted.
So far, at least 75 people have lost their lives in the havoc.
Image: @vilakudy tweets these pictures of the same house within an interval of a few hours in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala.
16:10
One person lynched, three critically injured in Assam's Biswanath district by mob suspecting them to be cattle lifters: Police.
16:08 Odisha announces Rs 5-cr assistance for flood-hit Kerala
The Odisha government today announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 crore for flood-ravaged Kerala, where the death toll in the second spell of monsoon fury since August 8 has risen to 75.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik talked to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan over telephone, following which the financial aid was announced, the CMO said. Patnaik also offered any other kind of support required to tackle the calamity, as Odisha has expertise in dealing with disasters like flood and cyclone, it said. -- PTI
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik talked to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan over telephone, following which the financial aid was announced, the CMO said. Patnaik also offered any other kind of support required to tackle the calamity, as Odisha has expertise in dealing with disasters like flood and cyclone, it said. -- PTI
15:43 Shah hoists, Tricolour falls
The Tricolour slipped down the pole and dropped to the ground as BJP president Amit Shah hoisted it at the party headquarters, handing critics a chance to get their own back on the face of an ecosystem that is ever ready to question others' "nationalist" bona fides.
Doordarshan broadcast that awkward moment live on Independence Day, so there was nothing the government could do for all its fabled reputation for micro-managing the media.As the country watched, the stunned silence in the studios was broken by a male voice saying in an undertone: " Tch tch tch tch... disaster."Most of those who watched and commented on the clip, which went viral, thought it was the anchor's voice and feared for his job, and worse.
Read more
Doordarshan broadcast that awkward moment live on Independence Day, so there was nothing the government could do for all its fabled reputation for micro-managing the media.As the country watched, the stunned silence in the studios was broken by a male voice saying in an undertone: " Tch tch tch tch... disaster."Most of those who watched and commented on the clip, which went viral, thought it was the anchor's voice and feared for his job, and worse.
Read more
15:20 Vajpayee in AIIMS: Politicians make beeline to hospital
Various political leaders cutting across party lines have been rushing to the AIIMS since yesterday after Atal Bihari's condition worsened. The BJP stalwart was admitted to the AIIMS on June 11 for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, who went to see the ailing Vajpayee, said, "We all should pray for his recovery. We should not forget that he is a leader who wanted to make the country strong. He wanted peace not only in our country but the whole world."
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed concerns about Vajpayee's dropping health. He tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the critical health condition of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. Praying for his speedy recovery."
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reminisced working with Vajpayee, and said that the news of his health has distressed him. Patnaik is scheduled see the bed-ridden leader later in the day.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has also reached New Delhi to enquire about Vajpayee's condition.Various Chief Ministers including Mamata Banerjee, Yogi Adityanath, and Nitish Kumar are also expected at AIIMS. -- ANI
National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, who went to see the ailing Vajpayee, said, "We all should pray for his recovery. We should not forget that he is a leader who wanted to make the country strong. He wanted peace not only in our country but the whole world."
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed concerns about Vajpayee's dropping health. He tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the critical health condition of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. Praying for his speedy recovery."
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reminisced working with Vajpayee, and said that the news of his health has distressed him. Patnaik is scheduled see the bed-ridden leader later in the day.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has also reached New Delhi to enquire about Vajpayee's condition.Various Chief Ministers including Mamata Banerjee, Yogi Adityanath, and Nitish Kumar are also expected at AIIMS. -- ANI
15:07 Kerala flood situation grave, says SC
The Supreme Court today termed as "grave" the flood situation in Kerala and agreed to hear a plea seeking the Centre's mediation between Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments on the issue of the Mullaperiyar Dam crossing the 142 ft threshold.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Indu Malhotra considered the submission of a lawyer and agreed to hear the plea today itself.
The plea seeks a decision on disaster management steps in the background of the floods, opening of 33 dams in Kerala, confusion between Kerala and Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers as water in the Mullaperiyar Dam has crossed the 142-ft threshold.
The death toll in the current phase of monsoon fury in the southern state is 73, while rains and flood water has caused extensive damage. Rise in flood waters in Periyar River due to the rains and opening of all shutters of all major dams including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar, have severely affected lives of people in downstream areas. -- PTI
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Indu Malhotra considered the submission of a lawyer and agreed to hear the plea today itself.
The plea seeks a decision on disaster management steps in the background of the floods, opening of 33 dams in Kerala, confusion between Kerala and Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers as water in the Mullaperiyar Dam has crossed the 142-ft threshold.
The death toll in the current phase of monsoon fury in the southern state is 73, while rains and flood water has caused extensive damage. Rise in flood waters in Periyar River due to the rains and opening of all shutters of all major dams including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar, have severely affected lives of people in downstream areas. -- PTI
14:54 PM visits Vajpayee at AIIMS for the 2nd time
PM Narendra Modi leaves AIIMS after visiting Atal Bihari Vajpayee who has been admitted to the hospital. BJP president Amit Shah had accompanied him. They were briefed on Vajpayee's health and left after spending around 30 minutes at the hospital. Another medical bulletin from AIIMS is expected this evening. Shah is still at the hospital.
A posse of BJP ministers are at Vajpayee's residence as well. BJP leaders have been asked not to make any statement to the press.
Vajpayee was admitted at the premier medical college and hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader, a diabetic, has one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia. The BJP veteran's condition remains critical and he continues to be on advanced life-support system, the AIIMS said in a statement today.
Image: PM Modi leaves AIIMS, his second visit since yesterday.
A posse of BJP ministers are at Vajpayee's residence as well. BJP leaders have been asked not to make any statement to the press.
Vajpayee was admitted at the premier medical college and hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader, a diabetic, has one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia. The BJP veteran's condition remains critical and he continues to be on advanced life-support system, the AIIMS said in a statement today.
Image: PM Modi leaves AIIMS, his second visit since yesterday.
14:42 Vajpayee's pattern of work was different unlike present politics: Mamata
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: "I have cancelled my work to visit Atal Bihari Vajpayee today. I got chance to work with him. He is a statesman like figure. We supported him when his govt was falling. His pattern of work was different & not like present politics."
14:39 It was a good experience to work under Vajpayee: Naveen Patnaik
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on Atal Bihari Vajpayee: "I served as a member of his cabinet for two years, to hear about his health is distressing. He is a great leader and to work under him was a very good experience. I would be flying to Delhi today.
14:33 Nitish rushes to Delhi to visit ailing Vajpayee
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today rushed to New Delhi on hearing the news that the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who has been admitted to AIIMS, is in a critical condition.
Before his departure, Kumar, who had served as a cabinet minister under Vajpayees Prime Ministership, issued a statement wherein he called the nonagenarian "a guardian...whose affection and guidance I have always received and from whom I have learnt the finer points of public life." "I pray for his early recovery," he said. -- PTI
Before his departure, Kumar, who had served as a cabinet minister under Vajpayees Prime Ministership, issued a statement wherein he called the nonagenarian "a guardian...whose affection and guidance I have always received and from whom I have learnt the finer points of public life." "I pray for his early recovery," he said. -- PTI
14:23 Suicide survivor undergoes historic face transplant
After a 31-hour-long face transplant surgery, 21-year-old Katie Stubblefield has turned over a new leaf in her life. She underwent 17 surgeries before finally going under the knife for the transformational procedure.
Stubblefield's disfigured face was an outcome of her suicide attempt at the age of 18, following a number of emotional hurdles she faced as a teenager, reported CNN.
The self-inflicted gunshot wound led to Katie losing her nose, mouth; it also displaced her eyes, thus impairing her vision.
According to a video posted by Cleveland Clinic, the hospital where Katie was operated upon, 100 percent of her face was transplanted by doctors, to achieve results that cannot be called anything less than miraculous.
Techniques and technologies such as surgical rehearsal, 3D printing and virtual reality were used as part of the pre-operative planning, said Cleveland Clinic.
Katie's family was extremely supportive throughout this journey. The hospital's video quoted her father Robb as saying, "This journey has been four steps forward, two steps backward, but always progress."
The 21-year-old was put on the waiting list for a face transplant in 2016; over a year later a donor was found, making Katie the 40th face transplant patient in the world. She was operated upon in May 2017, making her the youngest one in the US to undergo the procedure.
She will continue to be on medication for the rest of her life to minimize the risk of transplant rejection and is also taking physical and occupational therapy, including help from a speech therapist, reported CNN.Katie's story made it to the National Geographic magazine as she featured on their cover for the September issue. -- ANI
Image: The three images of Katie Stubblefield as she was before the gun-shot injury (left), after the gun-shot injury (centre) and after a face transplant surgery (right)
Stubblefield's disfigured face was an outcome of her suicide attempt at the age of 18, following a number of emotional hurdles she faced as a teenager, reported CNN.
The self-inflicted gunshot wound led to Katie losing her nose, mouth; it also displaced her eyes, thus impairing her vision.
According to a video posted by Cleveland Clinic, the hospital where Katie was operated upon, 100 percent of her face was transplanted by doctors, to achieve results that cannot be called anything less than miraculous.
Techniques and technologies such as surgical rehearsal, 3D printing and virtual reality were used as part of the pre-operative planning, said Cleveland Clinic.
Katie's family was extremely supportive throughout this journey. The hospital's video quoted her father Robb as saying, "This journey has been four steps forward, two steps backward, but always progress."
The 21-year-old was put on the waiting list for a face transplant in 2016; over a year later a donor was found, making Katie the 40th face transplant patient in the world. She was operated upon in May 2017, making her the youngest one in the US to undergo the procedure.
She will continue to be on medication for the rest of her life to minimize the risk of transplant rejection and is also taking physical and occupational therapy, including help from a speech therapist, reported CNN.Katie's story made it to the National Geographic magazine as she featured on their cover for the September issue. -- ANI
Image: The three images of Katie Stubblefield as she was before the gun-shot injury (left), after the gun-shot injury (centre) and after a face transplant surgery (right)
14:10 12 more NDRF teams rushed to Kerala
Twelve more teams of the National Disaster Response Force -- six from Delhi and six from Gandhinagar -- are being airlifted to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 18 teams are already deployed in the state.
The Centre today launched a massive relief and rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala, involving the three defence forces and other agencies, even as Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha chaired a high-level meeting following a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Besides the Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force, the Coast Guard and the National Disaster Response Force have been asked to mobilise additional manpower, boats and helicopters to scale up the rescue and relief operations, a home ministry spokesperson said.
Food packets and drinking water are being rushed to Kerala for distribution among the people in 14 worst affected districts, while additional NDRF teams are also being sent to the state to assist the local administration in operations.
The cabinet secretary chaired a high-level meeting to review the flood situation and rescue and relief operations in the southern state following a directive of the Prime Minister, the spokesperson said.
The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, top officials of the Ministries of Defence, the National Disaster Management Authority and the NDRF. It was decided that the Chairman of the Central Water Commission will monitor the situation at the Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala in view of the rising water level and continued heavy inflow.
The Prime Minister has spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan this morning and discussed with him the flood situation. Modi had spoken to Vijayan yesterday too. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh too had a telephonic conversation with the Kerala chief minister this morning on the prevailing situation.
Singh had spoken to Vijayan twice yesterday. During his visit to Kerala on Sunday, the home minister had announced a Rs-100 crore immediate assistance package. Five people were killed in a landslide in Palakkad district of Kerala today even as torrential rains led to the collapse of the public transport system in many parts of the state with the southern Railways and Kochi Metro suspending operations.
Palakkad district police sources said the five persons were killed in Nenmara while two were rescued, taking the death toll to 73 in the current phase of Monsoon fury. Reports of a landslide have also come in from Thrissur district and some people are said to be missing. PTI
The Centre today launched a massive relief and rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala, involving the three defence forces and other agencies, even as Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha chaired a high-level meeting following a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Besides the Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force, the Coast Guard and the National Disaster Response Force have been asked to mobilise additional manpower, boats and helicopters to scale up the rescue and relief operations, a home ministry spokesperson said.
Food packets and drinking water are being rushed to Kerala for distribution among the people in 14 worst affected districts, while additional NDRF teams are also being sent to the state to assist the local administration in operations.
The cabinet secretary chaired a high-level meeting to review the flood situation and rescue and relief operations in the southern state following a directive of the Prime Minister, the spokesperson said.
The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, top officials of the Ministries of Defence, the National Disaster Management Authority and the NDRF. It was decided that the Chairman of the Central Water Commission will monitor the situation at the Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala in view of the rising water level and continued heavy inflow.
The Prime Minister has spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan this morning and discussed with him the flood situation. Modi had spoken to Vijayan yesterday too. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh too had a telephonic conversation with the Kerala chief minister this morning on the prevailing situation.
Singh had spoken to Vijayan twice yesterday. During his visit to Kerala on Sunday, the home minister had announced a Rs-100 crore immediate assistance package. Five people were killed in a landslide in Palakkad district of Kerala today even as torrential rains led to the collapse of the public transport system in many parts of the state with the southern Railways and Kochi Metro suspending operations.
Palakkad district police sources said the five persons were killed in Nenmara while two were rescued, taking the death toll to 73 in the current phase of Monsoon fury. Reports of a landslide have also come in from Thrissur district and some people are said to be missing. PTI
13:45
12 additional teams of NDRF comprising about 540 personnel rushed to flood-hit Kerala to help rescue, relief operations: PTI
13:44
The top few inches of a fence is visible above the flood waters in the Kalamassery region of Kerala. Roads have been damaged and water continues to flow inside the city. Pic: ANI
13:42
A relief centre set up in Kumily near Munnar after flood waters entered villages in the area.
13:22 Men of mettle
Atal Bihari Vajpayee with LK Advani (standing) and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat during their Jan Sangh days. Shekhawat, a former vice-president of India, passed away in 2010.
The image was tweeted by @IndiaHistorypic
The image was tweeted by @IndiaHistorypic
13:15 Rahul speaks to PM on Kerala floods
Expressing concern over the flood situation in Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to make a fervent appeal to people for help by contributing to the chief minister's relief fund. He tagged the link of the chief minister's relief fund to his tweet asking people to contribute, and said "it is time to step up and help".
The Congress chief also said that he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "massively increase" deployment of Army and Navy personnel for rescue and relief operations.
"I am deeply concerned for the people of #Kerala tonight, as the flood waters rise. Thousands are stranded. Relief camps full. Many have lost their loved ones. It's time to step up & help. Please contribute generously to the CM's relief fund (sic)," he had said on Twitter tagging the link. In a tweet today, he said, "Kerala is in great pain. I spoke to PM and requested him to massively increase deployment of the Army & Navy. I also said that it is critical that he gives the state special financial assistance as this is a tragedy without parallel in Kerala's history." The death toll in the current phase of monsoon fury in the southern state has touched 73.
The Congress chief also said that he has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "massively increase" deployment of Army and Navy personnel for rescue and relief operations.
"I am deeply concerned for the people of #Kerala tonight, as the flood waters rise. Thousands are stranded. Relief camps full. Many have lost their loved ones. It's time to step up & help. Please contribute generously to the CM's relief fund (sic)," he had said on Twitter tagging the link. In a tweet today, he said, "Kerala is in great pain. I spoke to PM and requested him to massively increase deployment of the Army & Navy. I also said that it is critical that he gives the state special financial assistance as this is a tragedy without parallel in Kerala's history." The death toll in the current phase of monsoon fury in the southern state has touched 73.
12:18 Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 73
Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 73 across the state. Five persons were killed in a landslide in Palakkad district of Kerala today even as torrential rains led to the collapse of the public transport system in many parts of the state with the southern railways and the Kochi Metro suspending operations.
Palakkad district police sources said the five persons were killed in Nenmara while two were rescued, taking the death toll to 73 in the current phase of the monsoon fury.
Reports of a landslide have also come in from Thrissur district and some people are said to be missing, the sources said. Rise in flood waters in Periyar River due to the rains and opening of all shutters of all major dams including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar, have severely affected lives of people in downstream areas.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan once again called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and apprised him of the flood situation in the state.
The state has also sought the services of additional Army personnel and helicopters and the prime minister has assured all help, Vijayan said. "Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala. @CMOKerala," the prime minister tweeted.
The chief minister also called up Home Minister Rajnath Singh and spoke to him about the flood situation and sought more central help for relief and rescue operations.
Floods continue to ravage most parts of Kerala, especially Pathanamthitta, Ernakukam and Alappuzha districts, where several people, including children and elderly, are trapped in their houses. -- PTI
Image: A helicopter hovers above a house in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. The armed forces have rescued hundreds stranded in the flood-hit state.
Palakkad district police sources said the five persons were killed in Nenmara while two were rescued, taking the death toll to 73 in the current phase of the monsoon fury.
Reports of a landslide have also come in from Thrissur district and some people are said to be missing, the sources said. Rise in flood waters in Periyar River due to the rains and opening of all shutters of all major dams including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar, have severely affected lives of people in downstream areas.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan once again called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and apprised him of the flood situation in the state.
The state has also sought the services of additional Army personnel and helicopters and the prime minister has assured all help, Vijayan said. "Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala. @CMOKerala," the prime minister tweeted.
The chief minister also called up Home Minister Rajnath Singh and spoke to him about the flood situation and sought more central help for relief and rescue operations.
Floods continue to ravage most parts of Kerala, especially Pathanamthitta, Ernakukam and Alappuzha districts, where several people, including children and elderly, are trapped in their houses. -- PTI
Image: A helicopter hovers above a house in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. The armed forces have rescued hundreds stranded in the flood-hit state.
11:56 What Modi and his ministers must learn from Vajpayee
As Modi and his ministers line up to visit Atal Bihari Vajpayee at AIIMS, there is much they could have learned from the veteran leader and statesman, but alas, choose not to.
Shekhar Gupta's 2016 column addressing the government, on how a good idea when in crisis, is to apply the 'Vajpayee test' to your actions. Do read
Shekhar Gupta's 2016 column addressing the government, on how a good idea when in crisis, is to apply the 'Vajpayee test' to your actions. Do read
11:26
That's what the latest AIIMS bulletin, released a few minutes ago, says.
11:16 AIIMS bulletin: Vajpayee continues to be critical
AIIMS latest bulletin: "Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition continues to be the same. He is critical and is on life support systems."
Basically, what this means is there is no improvement in his health.
The 93-year-old BJP veteran was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
"Unfortunately, his condition has worsened. His condition is critical and he is on life-support system," the AIIMS had said in the statement last night.
"Both his lungs are not in good condition because of pneumonia on both sides and kidneys are also weak. He is critical," a source said today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the AIIMS yesterday evening to enquire about the condition of Vajpayee and is expected to reach AIIMS once again, shortly.
Modi reached the hospital at around 7.15 pm and spent about 50 minutes there. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited AIIMS this morning to enquire about the condition of the former prime minister. BJP veteran L K Advani was also at the hospital to enquire about the health of Vajpayee, as was Sushma Swaraj.
BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, were also at AIIMS, while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Union ministers Prakash Javadekar are expected to visit the premier medical institute soon. After Modi, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi also paid a visit. Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari was among those who visited the hospital. Later in the night, several leaders and ministers including Suresh Prabhu, Jitendra Singh, Harsh Vardhan and Shahnawaz Hussain visited the hospital. Earlier, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani had visited the hospital to check on Vajpayee.
A large crowd of mediapersons and others has gathered outside the hospital to get updates on Vajpayee's heath, affecting movement of traffic on the road. Policemen have been deployed to manage the crowd and traffic outside the hospital. Vajpayee, a diabetic, has only one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia. -- PTI
Basically, what this means is there is no improvement in his health.
The 93-year-old BJP veteran was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
"Unfortunately, his condition has worsened. His condition is critical and he is on life-support system," the AIIMS had said in the statement last night.
"Both his lungs are not in good condition because of pneumonia on both sides and kidneys are also weak. He is critical," a source said today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the AIIMS yesterday evening to enquire about the condition of Vajpayee and is expected to reach AIIMS once again, shortly.
Modi reached the hospital at around 7.15 pm and spent about 50 minutes there. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited AIIMS this morning to enquire about the condition of the former prime minister. BJP veteran L K Advani was also at the hospital to enquire about the health of Vajpayee, as was Sushma Swaraj.
BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, were also at AIIMS, while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Union ministers Prakash Javadekar are expected to visit the premier medical institute soon. After Modi, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi also paid a visit. Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari was among those who visited the hospital. Later in the night, several leaders and ministers including Suresh Prabhu, Jitendra Singh, Harsh Vardhan and Shahnawaz Hussain visited the hospital. Earlier, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani had visited the hospital to check on Vajpayee.
A large crowd of mediapersons and others has gathered outside the hospital to get updates on Vajpayee's heath, affecting movement of traffic on the road. Policemen have been deployed to manage the crowd and traffic outside the hospital. Vajpayee, a diabetic, has only one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia. -- PTI
11:05 PM to visit Vajpayee again, AIIMS bulletin shortly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to pay a second visit to Vajpayee in AIIMS. The hospital is expected to release the latest medical bulletin after Modi's visit.
In view of Vajpayees critical health, BJP has suspended all its programmes. An event scheduled for 20 August where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to launch a book on Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidus one year in office has also been postponed.
Vajpayee was conferred India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2014. The same year, Modi government declared that Vajpayee's birth anniversary, i.e., 25 December, would be marked as Good Governance Day.
Vajpayee's health worsened over the last 24 hours, the All India Institute of Medical Science said in a press note released late Wednesday evening. The bulletin said Vajpayee was in a critical condition and was on life support.
Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 after complaints of urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
In view of Vajpayees critical health, BJP has suspended all its programmes. An event scheduled for 20 August where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to launch a book on Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidus one year in office has also been postponed.
Vajpayee was conferred India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2014. The same year, Modi government declared that Vajpayee's birth anniversary, i.e., 25 December, would be marked as Good Governance Day.
Vajpayee's health worsened over the last 24 hours, the All India Institute of Medical Science said in a press note released late Wednesday evening. The bulletin said Vajpayee was in a critical condition and was on life support.
Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 after complaints of urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
10:58
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reaches All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted.
10:56 Hello, world!
Meanwhile, Mr Molt and his mate Flipper are proud parents to a chick.
The popular Humboldt penguin pair at Mumbai's Byculla Zoo will now be raising their baby, the first-ever penguin chick to be born in India. The as yet unnamed chick was born at 8:02 pm yesterday.
The popular Humboldt penguin pair at Mumbai's Byculla Zoo will now be raising their baby, the first-ever penguin chick to be born in India. The as yet unnamed chick was born at 8:02 pm yesterday.
10:48 Metro services suspended in Kochi
Waterlogging outside a metro train station in Kochi. Services have been suspended as water level rises in Muttom Metro yard area.
10:45 It's army to the rescue once again in Kerala
In Kerala, the Army has built a 35-feet-long bridge and rescued 100 people including children and senior citizens from Malampuzha's Valiyakadu village stranded amid rising floodwaters.
10:42 Vajpayee's closest aide LK Advani reaches AIIMS
Senior BJP leader LK Advani and daughter Pratibha Advani arrive at All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee's condition continues to be critical and he is on life support system with a panel of doctors monitoring him. A health bulletin from hospital is expected any time now.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, are at AIIMS, while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Union ministers Prakash Javadekar, Dharmendra Pradhan are expected to visit the premier medical institute soon. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also visited the hospital this morning.
The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader was admitted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
The veteran BJP leader, a diabetic, has one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited AIIMS last evening to enquire about the condition of Vajpayee.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, BJP chief Amit Shah, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, are at AIIMS, while Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Union ministers Prakash Javadekar, Dharmendra Pradhan are expected to visit the premier medical institute soon. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also visited the hospital this morning.
The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader was admitted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
The veteran BJP leader, a diabetic, has one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited AIIMS last evening to enquire about the condition of Vajpayee.
10:23 Just once we want to hear him give a speech: Vajpayee's family
LK Advani, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's comrade-in-arms has just arrived at the All India Institute of Medical Science. Vajpayee's health has worsened over the last 24 hours and said to be extremely critical. While an AIIMS bulletin on Vajpayee's health is expected shortly, the bulletin last evening said the former PM is in a critical condition and is on life support. Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 after complaints of urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
Vajpayee's niece Kanti Mishra said she has been praying to god for his recovery. "Just once I want to see him give a speech again. Our family can never ever erase that image of his from our minds. I hope he gets well soon," she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to AIIMS to visit the former PM, followed up by visits from Union Minister for Textile Smriti Irani, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, MP Meenakshi Lekhi, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JP Nadda, BJP president Amit Shah and a host of BJP VVIPs. Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee to visit shortly. Massive security cordon outside the AIIMS.
Vajpayee is a diabetic, and has only one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia.
Image: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's niece Kanti Mishra.
Vajpayee's niece Kanti Mishra said she has been praying to god for his recovery. "Just once I want to see him give a speech again. Our family can never ever erase that image of his from our minds. I hope he gets well soon," she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to AIIMS to visit the former PM, followed up by visits from Union Minister for Textile Smriti Irani, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, MP Meenakshi Lekhi, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, JP Nadda, BJP president Amit Shah and a host of BJP VVIPs. Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee to visit shortly. Massive security cordon outside the AIIMS.
Vajpayee is a diabetic, and has only one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia.
Image: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's niece Kanti Mishra.
10:07 Chopras to host Priyanka, Nick's engagement bash
In other news, Priyanka Chopra will soon return
to India with beau Nick Jonas for their engagement party to be
hosted by her family in New Delhi.
A source told E Online that Jonas and his immediate family are traveling to India this weekend to attend the engagement party.
A source told E Online that Jonas and his immediate family are traveling to India this weekend to attend the engagement party.
"It's a tradition for them to meet before the wedding and Priyanka's family insisted on hosting the Jonas family in their country. She wants everything to be traditional to respect her family's values, and definitely an Indian wedding," said the source.
It further said the couple is excited for everyone to meet and to celebrate. "Everything is very secretive but guests are expected to head there starting tomorrow. All of the plans are moving quickly and Priyanka and Nick do not want to have a long engagement," the source added.
The news of the couple's engagement came after Bollywood director Ali Abbas Zafar said that Priyanka opted out from his upcoming flick 'Bharat' in the 'Nick' of time, owing to a very "special reason".
Earlier, in two instances, Priyanka was seen hiding her ring from the paparazzi.
Priyanka and Nick, who reportedly dated for two months, were first spotted together at the 2017 Met Gala.
The speculation about their relationship brewed after the pair met each other's family. First, Chopra met Jonas' family at his cousin's wedding in New Jersey after which Nick traveled to India to meet Chopra's mother. -- ANI
10:01 PM asks MoD to step up rescue and relief ops in Kerala
Prime Minster Narendra Modi today asked the Defence Ministry to further step up relief and rescue operations across Kerala which is facing a severe flood situation.
He also spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. "We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala," the PM tweeted.
Last evening, Modi had told Vijayan that the Centre stood firmly behind Kerala and was ready to provide any assistance. Rains in the state have claimed 67 lives, officials said, adding that a red alert had been sounded in 12 of the 14 districts.
In what is being touted as the state's worst flood since 1924, the flooding and landslide have resulted in heavy loss of life and property. For the first time in the history of the state, it has opened 35 of its 39 dams due to rising water levels.
On Wednesday morning, Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert for eight districts of the state. It has predicted heavy to very heavy rains at most places in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Idukki and Ernakulam Districts until Thursday.
Earlier today, four teams of National Disaster Rescue Force were airlifted from Pune to Kerala for aiding in rescue operations. The teams have been brought in with full-wave rectified (FWR) equipment and communication equipment. - PTI
IMAGE: Rescue officials assist villagers out of a flooded area near Kochi. Photograph: PTI Photo
He also spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. "We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala," the PM tweeted.
Last evening, Modi had told Vijayan that the Centre stood firmly behind Kerala and was ready to provide any assistance. Rains in the state have claimed 67 lives, officials said, adding that a red alert had been sounded in 12 of the 14 districts.
In what is being touted as the state's worst flood since 1924, the flooding and landslide have resulted in heavy loss of life and property. For the first time in the history of the state, it has opened 35 of its 39 dams due to rising water levels.
On Wednesday morning, Indian Meteorological Department issued a red alert for eight districts of the state. It has predicted heavy to very heavy rains at most places in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Idukki and Ernakulam Districts until Thursday.
Earlier today, four teams of National Disaster Rescue Force were airlifted from Pune to Kerala for aiding in rescue operations. The teams have been brought in with full-wave rectified (FWR) equipment and communication equipment. - PTI
IMAGE: Rescue officials assist villagers out of a flooded area near Kochi. Photograph: PTI Photo
09:51
A cutout of a Malayalee film hero stands tall above the waterlogged lanes at Chengannur following heavy and incessant rain in Kerala.
09:37 Vajpayee still on life support; Rahul, Mamata, Kejri to visit today
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will visit All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted.
Vajpayee's condition is critical and he is on life support system.
Banerjee will travel to Delhi later today.
Earlier in the day, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah visited Vajpayee. -- ANI
09:20 Kerala floods: Navy stops training, all resources for rescue ops
Update on heavy rains and floods in Kerala:
Southern Naval Command has suspended all training activities to support in the flood relief operations as requested by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. All resources mobilised for rescue and relief efforts in Ernakulam and Trichur.
Meanwhile, rains continue to lash the state and water level in Mullaperiyar Dam has reached at 142 feet.
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus services stopped from Chamarajanagar district for Tamil Nadu's Ooty and Kerala's Kochi.
IMAGE: Submerged area near Cochin International Airport after monsoon rainfall, in Kochi on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo
09:09
Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah reaches All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Photograph: ANI
09:07 MP flash floods: 45 people rescued
Madhya Pradesh Police has confirmed that 45 people have been rescued from Sultan Garh Waterfalls in Gwalior's Shivpuri after water level increased due to a sudden release of water from a dam.
Talking to media, Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Hingankar said, "We have rescued 40 people and five people were rescued earlier by a helicopter. All these 45 people are safe now."
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia congratulated the administration for acting swiftly and rescuing people.
"As of now, we do not know how many people have been washed away. I would like to congratulate the administration for acting swiftly and rescuing people," Scindia said.
Both Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took to their respective Twitter handles and assured Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to provide all the necessary assistance to rescue stranded people.
'Spoke to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shri @ChouhanShivraj regarding the situation in Shivpuri district. NDRF has already been pressed into service to save those who are stranded. The efforts are on to save everyone. I have assured him of all possible assistance from the Centre,' Singh tweeted.
Sitharaman, on the other hand, wrote, 'Hon CM @ChouhanShivraj spoke about the situation in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. Assured him on extending necessary assistance. Instructed @IAF_MCC to respond in time. Will monitor it from our end. @nstomar'
'Shri @nstomar called and spoke from the site where an emergency situation prevails. Sought help in rescue. Referred to the conversation with @CMMadhyaPradesh @ChouhanShivraj and assured Shri @nstomar too. @IAF_MCC in loop,' she added.
Chouhan had earlier informed that efforts are underway to rescue the people stranded in the Sultan Garh Waterfalls, where 11 youth drowned following an increase in water level.
A helicopter was earlier used to locate the missing people.
The Madhya Pradesh police was also present at the spot for the rescue operation.Sultan Garh Waterfalls is a popular picnic spot situated amidst rocks in Shivpuri. -- ANI
IMAGE: Tourists get stranded at a picnic spot in Sultan Garh Waterfalls after water level increased due to sudden release from a dam, in Shivpuri on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo
08:54 Police stops 'Tirannga Yatra' in Mathura
Khwaja Garib Nawaz Educational and Welfare Society's efforts to take out a 'Tiranga Yatra' in Mathura on the occasion of Independence Day were foiled by police today.
Senior Superintendent of Police Babloo Kumar said the organisation was not allowed to take out the yatra as it had not sought permission for the same.
The organisers celebrated the Independence Day near Islamia School in Mathura and later dispersed off peacefully, he said.
Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Dal district chief Narendra Singh said it was strange that in the 'Yogi raj' one has to take permission for a programme related to Independence Day. -- PTI
08:39 Venkaiah Naidu visits AIIMS to enquire about Vajpayee's health
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today visited All India Institute of Medical Sciences to enquire about the health condition of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who has been undergoing treatment at the premier institute.
Vajpayee's condition is critical and he has been put on life-support system.
The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader was admitted at the premier AIIMS on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.
The veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader, a diabetic, has one functional kidney.
He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited AIIMS last evening to enquire about the condition of Vajpayee.
After Modi, several leaders and ministers also visited the hospital. -- PTI
08:14 Kerala floods: Southern Railways, Kochi Metro suspend operations
The public transport system collapsed in many parts of central Kerala with the Southern Railways and Kochi Metro today suspending their operations due to floods.
Rise in flood waters in Periyar river due to continuous rains and opening of all shutters of all major dams including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar, have severely hit life of people in the downstream areas.
The floods have affected the transport system to the Kochi city.
"Due to rise in water level at Bridge No 176 on Downline between Angamali and Aluva, The services on this bridge is suspended," a Southern railway spokesman said in a statement early today.
The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) also suspended its operations this morning after its yard in Muttom near Aluva submerged in the flood waters.
'Kochi Metro train operation is suspended as the water level rises in Muttom yard area,' a KMRL statement said.
The service will be resumed once the water comes down and the systems are back in good condition, its spokesperson said.
Bus services to Kochi were also affected after National Highways connecting the city submerged in Kalamassery area, officials said.
Cochin International Airport had yesterday suspended all flight operations till Saturday as water entered in the airport area following continuous rains and the opening of dam shutters in Periyar river. -- PTI
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