Vajpayee's ashes to be immersed in Uttar Pradesh's holy rivers

The Central government on Friday announced that the ashes of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be immersed in the holy rivers of Uttar Pradesh ranging from Ganga, Yamuna to Tapti.

According to the official statement, the gesture is to pay respect and tribute to the grand stature of the magnanimous leader and Bharat Ratna.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last on Thursday at Delhi's All India Institute Of Medical Science. He was 93.

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According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday.

The entire nation mourned the loss as former PM Vajpayee was cremated today at Smriti Sthal in Delhi with full state honours.PM Modi,President Kovindalong with other leaderspaid their last respects to the former prime minister.

Vajpayee was admitted to the hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, chest congestion and urine output on the lower side.

He was a diabetic and had suffered a stroke in 2009 that had weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia and was bedridden ever since.

As his health deteriorated, Vajpayee slowly withdrew from public life. He resigned as Prime Minister in 2004 and announced retirement from the political arena in the year 2005.