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Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Statesman Par Excellence

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Atal Bihari Vajpayee

by Sagarika Ghose

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the tenth Prime Minister of India, was a statesman par excellence. He was a man of great vision, integrity, and leadership. He was also a gifted orator and a poet. He served as Prime Minister of India for three terms, from 1998 to 2004.

Early Life and Career

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. His father, Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, was a school teacher, and his mother, Krishna Devi, was a homemaker. Vajpayee was a bright student and excelled in his studies. He was also a gifted orator and participated in many debates and elocution competitions.

After completing his education, Vajpayee joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS),a Hindu nationalist organisation. He became an active member of the RSS and worked closely with its founder, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. In 1948, Vajpayee was appointed as the General Secretary of the RSS.

In 1951, Vajpayee was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. He represented the Jan Sangh, the political wing of the RSS. Vajpayee quickly rose through the ranks of the Jan Sangh and became its President in 1968.

Prime Ministership

In 1998, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),a coalition of right-wing parties led by Vajpayee, won the general elections. Vajpayee was elected as the tenth Prime Minister of India. He formed a coalition government with the support of several other parties.

Vajpayee's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by several significant achievements. He initiated the "India Shining" campaign, which aimed to showcase India's economic progress. He also launched the "Golden Quadrilateral" project, which aimed to connect the four major cities of India with a network of highways. Vajpayee also played a key role in improving relations with Pakistan and China.

In 1999, India conducted nuclear tests, which led to international condemnation. Vajpayee defended India's decision to conduct the tests, saying that they were necessary to safeguard India's security.

In 2002, a communal riot broke out in Gujarat, killing thousands of people. Vajpayee condemned the violence and called for peace and harmony.

In 2004, the BJP lost the general elections and Vajpayee resigned as Prime Minister. He remained active in politics until his death in 2018.

Legacy

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a visionary leader who made significant contributions to India. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and wisdom. He will be remembered as one of India's greatest Prime Ministers.

Vajpayee's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a controversial figure, but he was also a great leader who made a lasting impact on India. He was a champion of economic reforms and social justice. He also played a key role in improving relations with Pakistan and China. Vajpayee's legacy will continue to be debated for years to come, but there is no doubt that he was one of India's most important leaders.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

by Sagarika Ghose

4.4 out of 5