India's three-time prime minister Vajpayee dies at 93

Indian statesman played pivotal role in easing Pak-India ties: FO

NEW DELHI: Three-time Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has died, current leader Narendra Modi said Thursday of the ailing 93-year-old who had been hospitalised.

"Atal Ji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me," Modi said in a tweet Thursday, using a Hindi-language honorific.

"It was Atal Ji's exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century."

It was due to the perseverance and struggles of Atal Ji that the BJP was built brick by brick. He travelled across the length and breadth of India to spread the BJP's message, which led to the BJP becoming a strong force in our national polity and in several states.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018

Vajpayee had battled poor health for years but his condition deteriorated sharply in recent days.

The former premier was being treated at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, where he was admitted nine weeks ago with health complications.

"Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best efforts, we have lost him today," AIIMS said in a statement.

"We join the nation in deeply mourning this great loss."

His waning health sparked a flurry of visits from top dignitaries Thursday, including Modi and senior cabinet ministers.

Vajpayee, a former journalist and poet-turned-politician, was credited with helping lay the foundations for the meteoric rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the right-wing political powerhouse that rules India today.

Reaction on social media

Condolences poured in soon after the news of the sad demise broke. Celebrities and common people paid tribute to the legendary South Asian leader in their own way.

The Foreign Office spoke out by expressing its sadness over his passing.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said that Vajpayee was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in India-Pakistan relations, as well as, remaining a key supporter of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and regional cooperation for development.

"The government and people of Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to his family and to the government and people of India," the statement reads.

Indeed a big loss for our country as we pay our last tribute to #AtalBihariVajpayee ji. He was a close family friend and his legacy will forever be remembered. Thank you for your selfless service, sir! My heartfelt condolence to everyone.

— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) August 16, 2018

https://twitter.com/Shehla_Rashid/status/1030072049438416896

Geet NAYA gaata hoon.....

A Leader who helped so many people sleep in peace at night...They trusted him and he didn't disappoint. He followed RAJ DHARM! #AtalBihariVajpayee pic.twitter.com/PMGWlfj93W

— Faridoon Shahryar (@iFaridoon) August 16, 2018

Decency, dignity and decorum were the words one associated with him. These are rare human attributes. The poet in him often overwhelmed the politician. RIP, Sir! #AtalBihariVajpayee

— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) August 16, 2018

https://twitter.com/JagratiShukla29/status/1030072011773497344

It is rare to find love and respect across the entire politcal spectrum.

Atalji, was the rarest of them all.

Alvida #AtalBihariVajpayee.

— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) August 16, 2018

#India #Pakistan #Peace #AtalBihariVajpayee #RIPAtalBihariVajpayee Sheikh Rasheed with Late Mr Vajpayee pic.twitter.com/JRAL1xnkAE

— Aamir Mughal (@mughalbha) August 16, 2018

#AtalBihariVajpayee 's NDA govt brought down mobile call rates by 90.3%. Now THAT was a telecom revolution! pic.twitter.com/FtRPVqbRVK

— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) August 16, 2018

My tributes to the great leader, extraordinary statesman, exemplary orator and above all a very good human being. India today lost a legend, Bharat Ratna, former Prime Minister #AtalBihariVajpayee ji. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/6tHPGJByxf

— Avinash Pande (@avinashpandeinc) August 16, 2018

I'm moved by the love this nation has for #AtalBihariVajpayee ji
Loved across all political spectrums.
Loved not only as a leader, poet, orator but also as a lovely human being.... #endofanera my condolences to the entire family 🙏

— Karanvir (@KVBohra) August 16, 2018