#AnEraEnds: Gentle Giant Vajpayee cremated amid teary-eyed admirers
Three-time Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajapyee was cremated on Friday. His death marks the end of a unique political era in India. His adopted daughter Namita Bhattacharya performed the last rites at Delhi's Smriti Sthal. The 'Bharat Ratna' was cremated with complete state honors. His funeral procession was attended by eminent leaders of Opposition. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi walked with the casket.
Foreign dignitaries come to Delhi to bid adieu to Vajpayee
Before the cremation, the tricolor was handed over to his granddaughter. Apart from the family, and eminent leaders of the BJP, Bhutan king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Bangladesh foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and Sri Lanka's acting foreign minister Lakshman Kiriella came to pay their respects. Former PM Manmohan Singh and Congress President Rahul Gandhi attended too.
Legatee Modi walked on streets as Vajpayee covered final journey
In a mark of respect that would even impress his critics, Modi walked as Vajpayee embarked on his final journey. His mortal remains were kept at the BJP HQ on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg for hours for people to pay homage. People gathered in thousands to see the towering leader one last time and bid farewell. This just shows his connect with the masses.
Dismissing security, Modi pays his respects to Vajpayee
Modi was joined by other eminent names of the BJP including Amit Shah, Shivraj Chouhan, among others. The leaders of the BJP were supported by thousands of admirers of Vajpayee. The PM stripping security and walking like a common man sends a strong message, especially when Vajpayee retired from politics more than a decade ago. The crowd chanted praises for Vajpayee while walking.
Vajpayee and Modi: Two PMs of BJP
It is widely said that Vajpayee's inability to sack Modi as Gujarat CM after 2002 riots cost him 2004 elections. Back then, the PM had asked the CM to follow his 'raj dharma'. Modi had said he was following just that. Notably, it was Vajpayee who asked Modi to handle Gujarat's reins in 2001. Now, it is on the PM to honor Vajpayee's legacy.
Watch: The widely circulated 'Raj Dharma' video
India will miss its poet PM dearly
Vajpayee's brand of politics wasn't sans humanity, which made him so popular among commoners and the entire political spectrum. His compassion and leadership will be missed dearly, by even his critics. Like Rahul Gandhi said, "India lost a great son." Rest in peace, Atal Ji!
