Residents recall Vajpayee’s contribution

Divya Sharma 

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 16

As the news of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s demise came, residents started paying tributes and recalling his achievements and immense contribution to progress of the nation.  

The former PM was admitted to the AIIMS on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion. He breathed his last at the age of 93 on Thursday. 

“It was Vajpayee's dream of having peace with Pakistan. It was a full-scale diplomatic push from India's side. The bus service commenced a new era in India and Pakistan relations, especially in terms of trade. May he rest in peace,” said Suneet Kochhar, chairman, ASSOCHAM, Punjab. 

Senior BJP leader Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina condoled the death of the former PM and recalled his services for the nation. He said, “Vajpayee was the stalwart who laid the foundation of a modern and well-equipped India whose parameters of development were far greater than those defined by Nehruvian socialists.”

Local MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, said, “For him, the interest of the country was foremost. He did politics in a dignified way. We have lost a great political figure today.” 

Sandeep Gorsi, a city-based lawyer, said, “He was a dynamic leader who managed to touch the hearts of the people. He played a key role in the development of the country. I still remember his era. He brought nuclear power to the country. He was graceful as a capacity of a leader, Prime Minister and a poet. He will be missed.” 

“I was a kid when I saw him as the PM of the country. His death is a great loss to our country as he was one of the most devoted ministers, brilliant speakers and finest poets,” said Dinkle, a college student.