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
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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, Japan
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.
Yogi 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.
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.”