New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed to the nation on the death of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee in a televised speech. PM Modi said Vajpayee was a like a father figure who taught him about organization and administration of Governenance.

“A leader for the ages, he was ahead of the times.” PM Modi tweeted today morning.

Vajpayee ji was being treated at Delhi's AIIMS, and He passed away at 5.05 pm on Thursday.   "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" "A 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," said PM Modi with teary eyes in his condolence address.  

PM Modi added that Vajpayee through his leadership and struggles fortified the Jana Sangh and the BJP. He held the responsibility to take the BJP to every part of India. The thoughts, ideals and words of Atal Ji will always remain with us and inspire us.

Here is the full statement-

 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.

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.

Atal Ji’s passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit.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”, the Prime Minister posted a series of tweets.

Watch here the video -

I have lost a father figure.

Atal Ji taught me vital facets of both ‘Shaasan’ and ‘Sangathan.’

His noble thoughts will live on and we will fulfil his dreams for the country. pic.twitter.com/qr755OQ72o

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018