Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away at 93: LATEST UPDATES

Update at 5:05 pm: Former PM and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee cremated with full state honours at Smriti Sthal in Delhi

Update at 4:59 pm: Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's funeral pyre has been lit at Smriti Sthal, India bids goodbye to the beloved leader

Update at 4:45 pm: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's daughter Namita Bhattacharya to perform the last rites

Update at 4:39 pm: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's granddaughter receives the folded Tricolour 

Update at 4:37 pm: Former Prime Minister Dr. Manohan Singh pays homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:35 pm: BJP President Amit Shah pays homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:26 pm: Senior BJP leader LK Advani pays tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:25 pm:  Lakshman Kiriella, Acting Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka pays tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:23 pm: Former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai pays his tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:19 pm: Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Foreign Minister of Nepal pays his tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:17 pm: Abul Hassan Mahmud Ali, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh pays his tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:15 pm: His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk of Bhutan pays homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:07 pm: President Ram Nath Kovind pays homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:06 pm: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu pays homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:05 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 4:02 pm: Defense minister Nirmala Sitharam pays homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

Update at 4:00 pm: Chief of the Air Staff Birender Singh Dhanoa pays his final tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

Update at 3:50 pm: Last rites to be performed at the Sriti Sthal for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 3:44 pm: Procession reaches Smriti Sthal

Update at 3:20 pm: Procession to soon reach Sriti Sthal

Update at 2:50 pm: BJP President and PM Modi continue their walk with the procession of mortal remains of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

Update at 2:40 pm: PM Narendra Modi may walk the entire road alongside the mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Update at 2:25 pm: Thousands watch as PM Modi walk alongside the convoy carrying the mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Smriti Sthal.
 

Update at 2:10 pm: PM Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and all the leaders to walk alongside former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in his final journey from BJP headqurters to Smriti Sthal.
 

Update at 2:06 pm: Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's final journey from BJP headquarters to Smriti Sthal is underway.
 

Update at 2:01 pm: Mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee being moved from the BJP HQ
 

Update at 1:57 pm: King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck pays tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at BJP HQ
 

Update at 1:15 pm: PM Modi returns at BJP headquarters, could join former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's funeral procession.
 

Update at 1:08 pm: Sri Lanka's acting foreign minister set to pay his tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

Update at 1:02 pm: Last respects paid to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the BJP Headquarters in Delhi
 

Update at 12:50 pm: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and other Aam Aadmi Party leaders pay homage to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

Update at 12:48 pm: Bangladesh Foreign Minister and British High Commissioner to India have some heartwarming words for former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

 

Update at 12:42 pm: Indian and Mauritius flag to fly half-mast in Mauritius government buildings as the country pays their tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

Update at 12:22 pm: Images of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee brought inside the BJP headquarters, and PM Modi and other leaders paying their tributes to him.
 

 

 

 
Update at 12:12 pm: Tens of thousands have gathered at the BJP headquarters to pay homage to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Update at 12:04 pm: Senior BJP leader LK Advani pays his final respects to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the BJP headquarters.
 

Update at 11:55 am: Republic TV reports that former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and many of the PDP leaders will arrive in Delhi and pay their respects to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Update at 11:45 am: Poonam Mahajan, daughter of former BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, pays an emotional tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

Update at 11:28 am: The backdrop against which the mortal remains of the former Prime Minister have been placed at the BJP HQ
 

Update at 11:11 am: Mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee placed inside the auditorium, where PM Modi and other leaders pay tributes to him.
 

Update at 11:07 am: Mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee taken out from the convoy and brought inside the headquarters.
 

Update at 11:02 am: Convoy carrying mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee enters the premises of BJP headquarters.
 

Update at 10:55 am: PM Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and other leaders waiting to receive the convoy carrying the mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the BJP headquarters.
 

Update at 10:35 am: The mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee goes past the iconic India Gate on it's way to the BJP headquarters.

Update at 10:17 am: People flock the BJP headquarters where former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains are being brought.

Update at 10:06 am: Procession carrying mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee makes way towards the BJP headquarters.

Update at 10:00 am: Guard of honor for former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee as his mortal remains are put in the convoy, which will be taken to the BJP headquarters.
 

Update at 9:48 am: PM Narendra Modi reaches BJP headquarters, where the mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be brought.
 

Update at 9:25 am: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat pens down his final words for former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the visitors books at the latter's residence.
 

Update at 9:10 am: Convoy which will carry former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee to BJP headquarters arrives at his residence.

Update at 9:05 am: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Chandrababu Naidu addresses the media after paying homage to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

Update at 8:50 am: Congress President Rahul Gandhi visits the residence of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and pays his last respects to him.
 

Update at 8:30 am: Ravi Shankar Prasad looks on as citizens of India pay their tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
 

Update at 8:05 am: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat pays his final tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Prior to that, Finance minister Piyush Goyal was also seen paying homage to Vajpayee.
 

Update at 8:00 am: Commerce minister Suresh Prabhu pays tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence. He is amongst the many BJP and opposition leaders present at the venue.
 

Update at 7:40 am: Amit Shah arrives at the residence of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 
 

Update at 7:30 am: Roads in central Delhi to remain shut from 8 am.

Update at 6:45 am: Later today at 9 am, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains will be taken for the last time to Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) headquarters

Update at 6:30 am: At 4 pm on Friday, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's final rites will be held at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal.

Update at 11:30 pm: Pakistan Information Minister along with other delegates is to attend former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's funeral

Update at 10:39 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Nodi departs from Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence

Update at 10:29 pm: "He always believed in reconciliation and harmonization" says senior  BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi

Update at 10:18 pm: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reaches Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence to pay tributes

Update at 10:06 pm: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 9:57 pm: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi visits Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence to pay tribute

Update at 9:37 pm: Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh pays his respect to Atal Bihari Vajpayee:

Update at 9:37 pm: Around 25,000 Delhi Police personnel will be pressed into service on Friday to avoid untoward incidents

• Apart from Delhi Police Personnel, CRPF, CISF, Rapid Action force, Bomb Squad, Dog Squad will also be pressed into service 
• Delhi police snipers will be deployed at all buildings on the proposed way

Update at 9:27 pm: PM Modi reaches Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence to pay his respects

Update at 9:20 pm: 'The Government and people of Pakistan extends their heartfelt condolence' 

Update at 9:12 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi issues a statement on the demise of Atal Bihari Vajpayee:

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. He was a wonderful orator, a prolific writer and he dutifully served our country. I have lost a father figure today. Atal Ji taught me valuable aspects about Sangathan and Shaasan.Through his leadership and struggles, Atal Ji strengthened the Jana Sangh and the BJP. He took these parties to every part of India. The thoughts, ideals and words of Atal Ji will always remain with us and inspire us: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

 Update at 9:00 pm: Mortal remains of former Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee reaches his residence in Delhi

Update at 9:00 pm: List of states that have declared holiday as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Jammu and Kashmir Government declares seven days mourning period from August 16 onwards

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Update at 8:45 pm: Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev arrives at Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence to pay his tributes:

 Update at 8:40 pm: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pays respect to Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 8:40 pm: Tamil Nadu government declares a holiday for schools and government offices on Friday

Update at 8:26 pm: All through tonight, people can pay their last respects to fmr PM Vajpayee at his Delhi residence

Update at 8:26 pm: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's funeral will be held at 4 pm on Friday, August 17, with state honors: BJP President Amit Shah

Update at 8:26 pm: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains will be kept at his home for paying last tributes and then will be taken to the BJP headquarters at 9 am in the morning: BJP President Amit Shah

Update at 8:26 pm: Pakistan Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan expresses deep sorrow and grief over the sad demise of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee:

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a known and respected political figure of the subcontinent. Vajpayee’s efforts to improve Indo Pak ties will always be remembered. As the Foreign Minister, Vajpayee sahab took the responsibility of improving India Pakistan Ties. As Prime Minister, Vajpayee sahab took his initiative and agenda further ahead of improving Indo Pak ties. With the demise of Vajpayee sahab, South Asian politics now has a big political vacuum. There can be political differences but both sides of the border want peace. By establishing peace is how we can really honor the legacy of Attal Bihari Vajpayee. In this moment of grief following the demise of Attal Bihari Vajpayee, I stand with the people of India.

- Imran Khan

Read: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Passes Away At 93

Update at 8:18 pm: BJP President Amit Shah on former PM Vajpayee's demise:

The country has lost the pole star of its politics and the Country has lost its tallest leader.

Update at 8:14 pm: The mortal remains of Atal Bihar Vajpayee to arrive shortly at his residence:

Update at 8:00 pm: Convoy with the mortal remains of Atal Bihari Vajpayee leaves from AIIMS 

Update at 7:50 pm: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu extends his condolences

Update at 7:50 pm:  The Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, grieves the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee:

Update at 7:45 pm: Mohd Hamid Ansari, former Vice-President:

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an eminent statesman known for his wisdom moderation intact. His way of communication was unique and it made him extremely popular. This kind of a person comes once in a blue moon. He will be remembered for a long time.

Update at 7:40 pm: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan pays tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Atal Ji was like a star in the sky of politics, which shone brighter than everyone else. He had the unique ability to bring everyone together. Even if you ask the opposition they hold a sense of respect for him. 

Update at 7:28 pm: US embassy issues statement on the demise of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

The United States grieves with India on the loss of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.  He will be remembered for his immense contribution in bolstering U.S.-India relations.  During his tenure, Prime Minister Vajpayee advocated for a robust partnership with the United States, referring to us as “natural allies.”  The U.S. Mission in India extends our deepest condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Vajpayee and the citizens of India.

Update at 7:28 pm: Former President Pranab Mukherjee :

No doubt that the country will be poorer in the loss of Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was like a colossus for almost 6 decades. I pay my deepest regards for this great son of India

Update at 7:28 pm: Former Deputy Prime Minister of India, LK Advani

I am at a loss of words to express my deep grief and sadness today as we all mourn the passing away of one of India’s tallest statesmen, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. To me, Atalji was more than a senior colleague- in fact, he was my closest friend for over 65 years

Update at 7:24 pm: Union Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 7:24 pm: All Delhi government offices, schools and other institutions shall remain closed tomorrow as a mark of respect for Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 7:06 pm: As a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the government of India has decided that seven-days of mourning will be observed across the nation from 16th August 2018 to 22nd August 2018. During the course of this period:

• National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the Nation
• There will be no official entertainment during the period 
• State funeral will be accorded to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Update at 7:00 pm: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad condoles Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s demise:

Dated: 16 August 2018

Union Minister of Electronics & IT and Law & Justice, Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad has expressed profound grief on the sad demise of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In a message to aggrieved family and to the nation, Sh. Prasad said “I deeply condole the sad demise of Atal Ji who was the main pillar of the BJP from Jan Sangh days, articulated the ideology of the Party effectively, ensured that it gets respect in the country and laid a solid foundation of the Party, which has become the main pillar of India today.

He would be remembered forever for dedicating his entire life to the cause of the nation and building a strong, developed and prosperous India.

I had the privilege of being associated with this great son of India since my childhood. His inspiration, direction, and roadmap for the development of India would continue to guide us in shaping new India.”

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Update at 6:44 pm: The mortal remains of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be kept at the BJP headquarters at 10 am in Delhi tomorrow for last tributes

Update at 6:44 pm: The mortal remains of Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be taken to his residence at Krishna Menon Marg 

Update at 6:44 pm: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains will first be embalmed. Cabinet meeting starts at Prime Minister Modi's residence.   

Update at 6:28 pm: I have so many smiling memory of him. As a journalist, I have covered him in the Parliament. His behaviour was mild but at the same time, he was determined. He made his points without using harsh words: Bharat Kumar Rao

Update at 6:23 pm: Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh issue a press release after the demise of BJP Veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee

I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji.  An excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional Public Servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian and a great Prime Minister, Shri Vajpayee ji stood among the tallest leaders of modern India,  who spent his whole life serving our great country.  His services to our nation will be remembered for a long time to come.
 

Dr. Manmohan Singh
Former Prime Minister
16th August 2018
 

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Update at 5:38 pm: PM Narendra Modi calls for a meeting of Union Cabinet at 6:30 pm to condole the death of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee 

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Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away at 5:05 pm in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday. The 93-year-old BJP leader was suffering from multiple ailments and was admitted to AIIMS. He was put on life support system by the doctors after his condition became critical.  

In a bulletin released at about half-past-five on Thursday, AIIMS stated that the former Prime Minister is no more:

Soon after the medical bulletin stating the demise of the BJP leader was released, tributes poured on Twitter from popular political figures across the country. In the days following his admission to the premier medical institute a number of political leaders had visited him, including former Prime Ministers HD Deve Gowda and Manmohan Singh, current and former Chief Ministers including Mamata Banerjee and Chandrababu Naidu, party presidents of the BJP and Congress Amit Shah and Rahul Gandhi respectively, as well as Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister J P Nadda, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan and senior BJP leader LK Advani. 

The 93-year-old was firm in his political convictions. He is one of the most beloved politicians in India and is widely respected as a statesman both within the country and abroad. Known for his oration skills and charismatic personality, he became the man of masses.