Chennai: “The demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a huge loss to the nation. He ensured all-round progress for India. I convey my condolence to the millions of our party workers across the country,” said BJPTamilnadu unit general secretary Vanathi Srinivasan.Speaking to ‘News Today’, Vanathi Srinivasan said, “I always had great regard for Vajpayee ji. He was a tall leader and inspiration for many. I am still to get over the shock that he is no more with us.”
Hailing the former BJP stalwart’s political acumen, she said, “He had a great vision for the country. He worked tirelessly to achieve it. Vajpayee ji was so polite and amiable that even his political enemies had a special liking for him.”
“The Golden Quadrilateral by Vajpayee was a remarkable achievement. It brought pride to every one of us. He introduced a long list of welfare schemes and every bit of his ideas were well-thought and executed. It managed to win the appreciation of people,” she added.
Recalling her personal experiences with Vajpayee, Vanathi Srinivasan said, “I had a couple of opportunities to meet and interact with him. I still cherish those memories.”
“In 2005, the BJP national executive committee meeting took place in Chennai. I was serving as secretary of the State women’s wing then. I had the fortune of meeting Atal ji when he came all the way from New Delhi to attend the conclave,” she said.
“He was suffering from knee pain and, hence, he walked very slowly. He was very careful with every step that he was taking. I was walking close to him. He gave a friendly smile and never showed his discomfort to anyone. A role model for many, he was very patient and chose to greet everyone who were next to him.”
Later, in 2014, Vanathi met Vajpayee at his residence on Krishna Menon Marg in New Delhi. She says, “It was 25 December and I visited Atal ji’s residence along with Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan and senior leaders of the party to wish him on his birthday. He was excited and enquired in detail about our work for the party. He spoke about his passion for poetry and narrated a few incidents from his life to us. It was one meeting that will be etched in my memory forever.”
His mortal remains may have left the world. But his good deeds will stay forever. We want to walk the path laid by him and help realise his dreams, she adds.