Former prime minister and Bharat Ratna awardee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was cremated with full state honours on 17 August at Delhi's Smriti Sthal where the former prime minister's last rites were performed by his daughter Namita Bhattacharya.
Senior Indian leaders and world leaders from across the political spectrum gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects to the BJP stalwart who served as the 10th prime minister of the country.
- Seven days of state mourning and state funeral to be accorded to the nonagenarian
- Several state governments declared a public holiday on 17 August
- Vajpayee suffered pneumonia, multi-organ failure; was put on ECMO: AIIMS Doctors
Lights of CMST in Mumbai Remain Off on 16 August
Lights of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station (CMST) in Mumbai remained off on 16 August as a mark of respect to the departed soul of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Political Leaders Pay Their Last Tributes to Vajpayee at His Residence
From President Ram Nath Kovind to Sonia Gandhi to Pranab Mukherjee to Murli Manohar Joshi, and even Tripura CM Biplab Deb, political leaders cutting across party lines, gathered at former prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence in Delhi to pay their last tributes on 16 August night.
Sri Lankan Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs to Attend Vajpayee's Funeral
Lakshman Kiriella, acting minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka will attend former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's funeral on 17 August.
DMK Leaders MK Stalin, Kanimozhi Pay Tribute to Vajpayee
DMK leaders MK Stalin and Kanimozhi paid their tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence in Delhi.
Delhi Police Issues Traffic Advisory Ahead of Vajpayee's Funeral
Several roads in the national capital will be closed for the public tomorrow in view of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's funeral, the Delhi Traffic Police said.
Some of the roads that will be closed from 8 am tomorrow are Krishna Menon Marg, Sunehri Bagh Road, Tughlak Road, Akbar Road, Tees January Marg, Man Singh Road, Bhagwan Dass Road, Shahjahan Road and Sikandara Road.
DDU Marg, IP Marg, BSZ Marg (from Tilak Bridge to Delhi Gate), JLN Marg (from Rajghat to Delhi Gate) will also be closed, the traffic police said.
Commuters have been advised to use Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, Mother Teresa Crescent, Park Street, Mandir Marg to travel between north and south Delhi.
See the full list below.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, US State Dept Offer Condolences on Vajpayee's Death
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences on the death of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
President of the Russian Federation H.E Vladimir Putin offers condolences on death of former Indian Prime Minister Late Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @PTI_News @PIB_India https://t.co/Ax3xaMEmhN
Before Putin, the US State Department's Heather Nauert tweeted the country's condolences for the death of the former Prime Minister.
.@SecPompeo: On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of #India on the passing of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Today, our two countries & our bilateral relationship continue to benefit from Prime Minister Vajpayee's vision. pic.twitter.com/2mtaOQhYmg
Mahesh Bhatt Offers Condolences
From my personal experience, I can vouch that in the past couple of decades there has never been a more empathetic political leader in India than Vajpayee ji!. He belonged to a different class of politician that this country no longer produces,
We will deeply miss you, Sir! RIP.Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt also tweeted condolences on the passing of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying, “there has never been a more empathetic political leader in India than Vajpayee ji!. He belonged to a different class of politician that this country no longer produces, We will deeply miss you, Sir! RIP.”
Former PM's Mortal Remains to be Taken to BJP HQ
Trucks which will be a part of the convoy in which former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains will be taken to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters and for funeral.
Kerala & TN Governors Pay Respects
Kerala Governor P Sathasivam and Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit pay respects to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence in Delhi.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Pays Respects to Former Prime Minister
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat pays tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence in Delhi.
Javed Akhtar & Shabana Azmi Pay Respects to Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi arrive at former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence to pay last respects.
Speaking to the media, Javed Akhtar said, “Very rare that a politician is respected across party lines. People with different ideology have also come as they love him because he used to love all.”
Security Beefed up for Former PM's Last Rites
Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's last rites procession.
Speaking to ANI, Delhi Commissioner of Police, Madhur Verma said, “It will be ensured that the people who come to pay last respects face minimum inconvenience and that there is no compromise with security.”
Army Chief & Chief of Naval Staff Pay Respects
Army Chief Bipin Rawat and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba pay tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence in Delhi.
NSA Ajit Doval at Former PM's Residence
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval pays tribute to the former prime minister at his residence in Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi Reaches Vajpayee's Residence
Congress President Rahul Gandhi reaches former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence to pay tribute to the BJP stalwart.
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu Pays Tribute
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu pays tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Nation Mourns the Death of Its Former Prime Minister
SC Observes Half-Day Holiday
The Supreme Court will observe a half-day holiday on Friday, 17 August to pay respects to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and will sit till 1 pm.
Delhi High court and all District courts will also function till 1 pm.
Prime Minister Modi Arrives at BJP Headquarters
PM Narendra Modi arrives at BJP headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg where mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be brought shortly.
Vajpayee's Mortal Remains Enroute to BJP Headquarters
Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's casket is being moved from his Krishna Menon residence to the BJP headquarters.
Huge Crowd Gathers Outside BJP Headquarters
Huge crowd gathers outside the BJP Headquarters where mortal remains of the former PM will be brought shortly.
Pak Govt, Leaders Pay Tribute to Vajpayee
Pakistan government and top leaders pay respects to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said the former Indian prime minister contributed to bringing “a change” in bilateral ties and remained a key supporter of regional cooperation for development, reported PTI.
Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan also expressed condolences over Vajpayee's demise, saying his efforts for India-Pakistan peace will always be remembered.
Vajpayee's Mortal Remains Reach BJP HQ
Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains have reached the party headquarters.
Senior BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP Chief Amit Shah, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and other BJP leaders are at the party headquarters to pay their last respects to the former prime minister.
PM Modi Pays Last Respects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays last respects to the former prime minister at BJP headquarters.
Amit Shah, Home Minister Pay Tribute
BJP Chief Amit Shah and Home Minister Rajnath Singh pay last respects to former Prime Minister at BJP Headquarters.
Senior Leaders Pay Respects
Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, UP Governor Ram Naik, DMK leader A Raja, Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and Manipur CM N Biren Singh pay last respects to former prime minister.
Foreign Dignitaries to attend Vajpayee's Funeral
The following foreign dignitaries are expected to attend Vajpayee's funeral in Delhi on Friday.
- Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
- Nepal's Foreign Affairs Min PK Gyawali
- Sri Lanka acting Foreign Min Lakshman Kiriella
- Bangladesh Foreign Min Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali
- Pakistan Law Min Ali Zafar
King of Bhutan, Nepal's Foreign Affairs Minister Arrive in Delhi
King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali arrive in Delhi to attend Vajpayee's funeral, ANI reported.
Hema Malini Pays Respects
BJP MP Hema Malini pays last respects to the former prime ministerat the BJP headquarters in Delhi.
We Remember Him for His Contribution to the Liberation War: Bangladesh Minister
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali has also arrived in the national capital, reported ANI.
Remembering Vajpayee, Mahmood said, “We remember him for his contribution to Bangladesh Liberation War and strong support to people of Bangladesh. He had great liking for Bengali music. I had the privilege of serving in Delhi as career diplomat when he became Foreign Minister.”
He Was an Enormously Important Person: British High Commissioner to India
Speaking to the media, British High Commissioner to India, Dominic Asquith said, “He was an enormously important person who we have great respect for and it's a great loss for India. I wanted to pay my respects to a man of that stature.”
Sitaram Yechury Remembers Vajpayee for His Principles
Speaking to the media, CPI (M) General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury said, “It was the speciality of Atal ji that he never let humanity be harmed due to the political and ideological differences. Such principle is needed in the country today.”
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Arrives in Delhi
Sri Lanka acting Foreign Minister Lakshman Kiriella arrives in Delhi, he will attend the funeral of former the prime minister.
King of Bhutan Pays Tribute
King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck pays tribute to former PM at BJp headquarters.
Vajpayee's Mortal Remains Enroute to Smriti Sthal
Mortal remains of the former prime minister being taken from the BJP headquarters to Smriti Sthal for the funeral.
PM Modi, Amit Shah Take Part in Former PM's funeral Procession
PM Modi and Amit Shah take part in the funeral procession of the former prime minister.
Thousands Throng the Streets
Thousands of mourners thronged the streets to get a last glimpse of their former prime minister.
Former Afghanistan PM Arrives in Delhi
Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai arrives in Delhi to attend the former prime minister's funeral.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Embarks on His Last Journey
Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi at Smriti Sthal
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Rahul Gandhi have arrived at Smriti Sthal for the funeral of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Mortal Remains of Vajpayee Brought to Delhi's Smriti Sthal
Mortal remains of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee have been brought to Delhi's Smriti Sthal for last rites.
Army Chief, Navy Chief and Air Chief Pay Last Tributes to Vajpayee
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa paid their last tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Smriti Sthal in Delhi.
PM Modi Pays Last Respects to Vajpayee at Delhi's Smriti Sthal
Prime minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at New Delhi's Smriti Sthal.
Top Political Leaders Pay Their Last Respects to Vajpayee
From President Ram Nath Kovind to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan, top political leaders across the spectrum paid their last respects to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Delhi's Smriti Sthal.
Tricolour Wrapped Around Vajpayee Handed Over to Granddaughter
Tricolour that was wrapped around former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains was handed over to his granddaughter Niharika.
Last Rites of Vajpayee Performed by Daughter Namita Bhattacharya
The last rites of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was performed by his daughter Namita Bhattacharya at Delhi's Smriti Sthal.
Atalji, You Will Live on in The Hearts and Minds of Every Indian: PM Modi
After Vajpayee's final rites were performed at Delhi's Smriti Sthal, PM Narendra Modi tweeted in honour of the former prime minister. He wrote, “Atal Ji, you will live on in the hearts and minds of every Indian. No words can ever do justice to your rich contribution towards the making of our country.”
Atal Ji, you will live on in the hearts and minds of every Indian.
No words can ever do justice to your rich contribution towards the making of our country. pic.twitter.com/TcQEmF68MiPeople came from all parts of India, from all sections of society to pay tributes to an extraordinary personality who made an extraordinary contribution to the nation.
India salutes you Atal Ji! pic.twitter.com/i2YVxWys0iYogi Wants Vajpayee's Ashes to be Spread in Every River in UP
The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a notice for Vajpayee's ashes to be spread in every river in Uttar Pradesh including Ganga, Yamuna, and Tapti, to respect his grand stature.
Change of Guard Ceremony Not to be Held Tomorrow
The 'Change of Guard' ceremony on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan will not be held tomorrow due to state mourning, reported ANI.
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe Offers Condolences on Vajpayee's Death
“On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I would like to convey my sincerest condolences to the Government, the people of India, and the bereaved family,” Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan said.
His Excellency Mr Vajpayee visited Japan in 2001 as then-PM and made significant contributions to the friendship between our two countries as a good friend of Japan. It is him who established the cornerstone of Japan-India relations today.Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister, JapanEssential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
