New Delhi, Dec 25: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee turned 93 on Monday. President Ram Nath Kovind wished the nonagenarian. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his warm greetings.
“Birthday wishes to our much-loved and respected former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” President Kovind said.
“Birthday greetings to our beloved Atal Ji. His phenomenal as well as visionary leadership made India more developed and further raised our prestige at the world stage. I pray for his good health,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
Vajpayee was the first non-Congress prime minister who completed a full term in power. He is also a noted poet and is widely popular among youths. He took retirement from active politics after losing general elections in 2004.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924 in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior. His father Krishna Bihari Vajpayee was a teacher and mother Krishna was a home-maker. He is associated with Agra’s Bateshwar village. He remained associated with RSS all his life.
Vajpayee showed early interest in politics. In August 1942, he and his elder brother Prem were arrested during the Quit India Movement. They were released after 23 days. He started working closely with Deendayal Upadhyaya for Bharatiya Jana Sangh after independence. He also became a national secretary of the party in charge of the Northern region. He was first elected to Lok Sabha in 1957 from Balrampur. Once Jawaharlal Nehru, who impressed with his oratorical skills, predicted that he will become the prime minister of the country.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee became prime minister of the country twice. In 1996, he remained the prime minister for only 13 days. He again came to power in 1999 and completed his term. He remained unmarried all his life.