Atal Bihari Vajpayee was architect of India’s transition into 21st century: Modi

Prime Minister Modi pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting his transformative leadership and lasting impact on India.

Paying tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee a day before his 100th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (December 24, 2024) called him the architect of India’s transition into the 21st century.

In an article published on various platforms, Mr. Modi said spearheading an alternative to the dominant Congress narrative, his contribution to the BJP was foundational. In 1998, when Vajpayee took oath as Prime Minister, Mr. Modi said the nation was going through a period of political instability with four general elections in nine years. Vajpayee turned the tide to provide a stable and effective government.

The Vajpayee regime, Mr. Modi said, has had a “long term” impact on many sectors. The Prime Minister cited the examples of making technology accessible to common citizens, making a “gigantic leap” in the world of Information Technology, telecom and communications, and launching the Golden Quadrilateral project connecting the length and breadth of India. He also applauded the social welfare schemes of the Vajpayee government such as Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyan, making modern education accessible for all. The economic reforms brought during the time set the stage for India’s economic surge after several decades of following an economic philosophy which encouraged cronyism and stagnation, Mr. Modi wrote.

The 1998 nuclear tests, he said, exemplified, Vajpayee’s leadership. The Prime Minister wrote, “The world was stunned that India had done the tests and expressed its anger in no uncertain terms. Any ordinary leader would have buckled, but Atal ji was made differently. And what happened? India stood firm and resolute with the government calling for another set of tests two days later, on 13th May!”

Despite facing international sanctions, the then NDA government of Vajpayee ji stood firm, articulating India’s right to safeguard its sovereignty while simultaneously being the strongest proponent of world peace, Mr. Modi wrote.

He also hailed Vajpayee’s role in redefining coalition politics with the creation of the National Democratic Alliance. Citing Vajpayee’s resignation in 1996 and 1999 (after losing the no-confidence motion by one vote), Mr. Modi said Vajpayee was not one to cling on to power through opportunistic means. Vajpayee, he said, stood tall in his commitment to protect the Indian Constitution. He always chose ideology over power.

“It is also noteworthy how deeply rooted Atal ji was in Indian culture. Upon becoming External Affairs Minister, he became the first Indian leader to speak in Hindi at the United Nations. This one gesture showcased his immense pride in India’s heritage and identity, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage,” Mr. Modi wrote.