An emotional PM says Vajpayee's death marks end of an era

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said with the passing away of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee an era has come to an end. In a series of tweets, Mr Modi said, '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 said. 'India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal Ji,' he said.

The Prime Minister said, '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.' Mr Modi said 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 said.

Quoting Vajpayee's lines, the Prime Minister recalled: 'Lekin vo hamen kahakar gae hain- maut kee umar kya hai? do pal bhee nahin, zindagee silasila, aaj kal kee nahin main jee bhar jiya, main man se maroon, lautakar aaoonga, kooch se kyon daroon?' The Prime Minister said that he was overcome with emotions and had no words to express his grief.