Senior political leaders in Bihar, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and top BJP figures, gathered in Patna on Thursday to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The state-level function was a solemn affair held at the Patliputra Park in Pataliputra Colony, reflecting the enduring respect for the late leader across party lines.
Leaders Unite in Tribute
The ceremony saw Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paying his respects alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. They were joined by Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary and the BJP's state president, Sanjay Saraogi. The leaders offered floral tributes at the statue of the former Prime Minister, highlighting his legacy of consensus-building.
Addressing the gathering, BJP state chief Sanjay Saraogi lauded Vajpayee's monumental contributions. He stated that Vajpayee's life remains a powerful symbol of patriotism, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to the public. "His works and thoughts gave the country direction to become a strong and self-reliant nation," Saraogi remarked. He emphasized that the foundations laid by Vajpayee in areas like nuclear capability, cultural development, and political stability continue to guide India's progress today.
State-Wide Observance as 'Prakharta Diwas'
The birth anniversary was observed across Bihar as 'Prakharta Diwas' (Founder's Day). Ranbir Nandan, Chairperson of the Bihar State Religious Trust Council and a former MLC, provided details of the widespread commemorations. He announced that 1,100 recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa and Bijak were organized at numerous Hindu temples and monasteries throughout the state. In a gesture of social service aligning with Vajpayee's ideals, blankets were also distributed to impoverished residents at many of these locations.
Exhibition Draws Crowds to BJP Office
A key highlight of the anniversary in the state capital was a grand exhibition curated at the BJP's state office in Patna. The exhibition, meticulously detailing Vajpayee's life journey and his contributions to the nation, was formally inaugurated by Sanjay Saraogi along with the two deputy chief ministers. The display attracted a large number of BJP leaders, dedicated party workers, and curious members of the public, all eager to gain deeper insights into the former PM's life and enduring political ideals.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, while addressing BJP MLAs and workers, offered a poignant reflection on Vajpayee's character. He described politics as often being akin to a 'kajal ki kothri' (a room full of eyeliner), where anyone who enters is bound to get stained. "To emerge untainted from such a chamber is a rare achievement," Sinha said. "Bharat Ratna Atal ji stands among the foremost who managed to do so impressively." This tribute underscored the late leader's reputation for maintaining integrity in public life.
