We have lost an Atal Ratna: PM Modi mourns Vajpayee’s death

PM Narendra Modi said Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s death has left a void that cannot be fulfilled.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Atal Bihari Vajpayee was like a “father figure” to him and his death has a created a “void” that can’t be healed.

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“We have lost our inspiration. We have lost an Atal Ratna. The personality of Atal ji and the sadness due to his demise can’t be described in words,” said Modi in televised speech mourning the former prime minister.

Modi called Vajpayee a “wonderful orator” and a “prolific writer”.

“I have lost a father figure today. Atal ji taught me valuable aspects about sangathan (organisation) and shaasan (governance),” he said.

The three-time prime minister’s death has sparked tributes from across the political spectrum.

Vajpayee will be cremated on Friday in Delhi with full state honours, BJP chief Amit Shah had earlier said.

Watch: ‘I’ve lost a father figure today’, says PM Modi on Vajpayee’s death