Himachal Pradesh: Governor, CM pay tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary

August 16, 2025

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): Leaders across party lines in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, remembering him as a statesman who rose above politics and made the hill state his second home.

Governor Recalls Vajpayee’s Ethics in Politics
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla described himself as a follower of Vajpayee, underlining the former Prime Minister’s ethical stand in politics. He recalled how Vajpayee refused to compromise even when his government fell into a minority, choosing principles over power.

CM Sukhu Highlights Vajpayee’s Stature
Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu praised Vajpayee’s ability to rise above partisan lines. He noted that even during the Congress government, Rajiv Gandhi had sent Vajpayee to represent India at the United Nations, where his speech became historic. Sukhu also remembered Vajpayee’s deep attachment to Himachal Pradesh, where he often stayed and wrote poetry.

Deputy CM Agnihotri on Vajpayee’s Legacy
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the entire nation remembers Atal ji for his politics of values and liberal leadership respected by all parties. He pointed out that a statue of Vajpayee stands at Shimla’s historic Ridge Maidan in his honour, and his contribution was recognised with the Bharat Ratna.

Life and Political Journey of Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and served as India’s Prime Minister three times. He was the first non-Congress leader to complete a full term as Prime Minister, serving from March 19, 1998, to May 22, 2004. He also held the post of External Affairs Minister from 1977 to 1979. Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, at AIIMS in Delhi.