Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away

New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi following a prolonged illness.

The 93-year-old veteran was put on the life support system since August 14 after his condition deteriorated at the hospital. He was admitted to the AIIMS on June 11 after he was diagnosed with urinary track infection (UTI), low urine output and chest congestion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union ministers and several chief ministers and senior politicians expressed their condolence over the demise of Vajpayee.

“India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal Ji. His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti,” said Modi.

“It was Atal Ji’s exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century. His futuristic policies across various sectors touched the lives of each and every citizen of India,” he added.