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.