Myanmar President Win Myint arrives at New Delhi to attend Modi’s swearing-in. Watch this video to know more.

LIVE: Myanmar President Win Myint arrives at New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to take the oath of Office of Prime Minister today along with his Council of ministers today at 7 pm. Watch this video to know more.

BJP president Amit Shah meets PM-elect Modi

In the biggest-ever event held in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attended by nearly 8,000 guests, including foreign dignitaries and chief ministers and governors. A tight and multi-layered security arrangement has been made in the national capital with the deployment of around 10,000 security personnel from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces. Watch this video to know more.

Rashtrapati Bhavan gears up for Modi's swearing-in ceremony

All Shiv Sena leaders to attend PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is set to take the oath of Office of Prime Minister today along with his Council of ministers paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the National War Memorial. Watch this video to know more.

All Shiv Sena leaders to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is set to take the oath of Office of Prime Minister today along with his Council of ministers paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the National War Memorial. Watch this video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi pays tribute at the National War Memorial

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays respect to Mahatma Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ahead of his swearing-in ceremony today at 7 pm. PM Modi will take oath for the second consecutive term at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Watch this video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi pays respect to Mahatma Gandhi

One of the top leaders of the BJP, Rajnath Singh is a man of all seasons who maintains cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum and enjoys wide acceptability.

The Home Minister in the outgoing government, on whom <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-updates-prime-minister-narendra-modi-swearing-in-ceremony-222770">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> banked on heavily in the last five years whenever there was a crisis, be it farmers agitation, violence in Jammu and Kashmir or Jat quota stir, has been appointed Cabinet minister again.

Many see a reflection of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mannerism in him and feel he has been carrying forward the party veteran's legacy as 'Ajatshatru, a man with no enemies.&nbsp;

His good rapport with opposition leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mamata Banerjee, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Omar Abdullah had made his government's pointsman for any discussion with the opposition.

Even during the bitter political campaign, 67-year-old Singh, who was&nbsp;contesting from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, was never drawn into any ugly war of words with his opponents.

The image of the minister carrying on his shoulder the coffin of soldiers killed in February 14 Pulwama terror attack will remain etched in the minds of the people.

A former professor of physics, it was Singh, as BJP President in 2013, who was instrumental in declaring Narendra Modi as prime ministerial candidate, despite strong opposition from veterans like L K Advani.

Singh was the third leader of the BJP, after Modi and BJP President Amit Shah, who had extensively campaigned for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

He was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh between 2000-2002, had also held the portfolios of Surface Transport and Agriculture in Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

A life-long RSS member, Singh occupied various positions in RSS, ABVP and Uttar Pradesh BJP before becoming the national President of the BJP twice -- 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014.

Singh, who was elected to Lok Sabha from Lucknow for two consecutive terms in 2014 and 2019, was thrice elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and twice to Rajya Sabha. He was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time in 2009 from Ghaziabad.

Singh was appointed district president of the Jana Sangh in 1975 at the age of 24 and was elected as MLA from Mirzapur in 1977.

In 1984, he became the UP state president of the BJP's youth wing BJYM, in 1986, its national general secretary and subsequently national president of the BJYM in 1988.

Singh was elected a member of the UP Legislative Council in 1988 and became Education Minister of the state in 1991. During his tenure as Education Minister in UP, he established some landmarks by introducing the Anti-Copying Act and Vedic Mathematics in the syllabus and correction of various portions of history textbooks.

He became a member of Rajya Sabha in 1994 and also the Chief Whip of the BJP in the upper house.

In 1997, Singh became state president of UP BJP. During this period, apart from expanding and strengthening the organisation, he played a key role in saving the BJP-led government twice during political crisis.

Singh was appointed Union Surface Transport Minister in 1999 and during this period he got the opportunity to initiate the National Highway Development Programme, a dream project of the then Prime Minister Vajpayee.

In October 2000, he became Chief Minister of UP and was twice elected as MLA from Haidargarh constituency in Barabanki. In 2002, he became National General Secretary of BJP.

On May 24, 2003, he became Union Minister of Agriculture and subsequently for Food Processing. During this period he initiated a few epoch making projects like Kisan Call Centre and Farm Income Insurance Scheme.

One of the top leaders of the BJP, Rajnath Singh is a man of all seasons who maintains cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum and enjoys wide acceptability.

One of the top leaders of the BJP, Rajnath Singh is a man of all seasons who maintains cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum and enjoys wide acceptability. The Home Minister in the outgoing government, on whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi banked on heavily in the last five years whenever there was a crisis, be it farmers agitation, violence in Jammu and Kashmir or Jat quota stir, has been appointed Cabinet minister again. Many see a reflection of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mannerism in him and feel he has been carrying forward the party veteran's legacy as 'Ajatshatru, a man with no enemies. His good rapport with opposition leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mamata Banerjee, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Omar Abdullah had made his government's pointsman for any discussion with the opposition. Even during the bitter political campaign, 67-year-old Singh, who was contesting from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, was never drawn into any ugly war of words with his opponents. The image of the minister carrying on his shoulder the coffin of soldiers killed in February 14 Pulwama terror attack will remain etched in the minds of the people. A former professor of physics, it was Singh, as BJP President in 2013, who was instrumental in declaring Narendra Modi as prime ministerial candidate, despite strong opposition from veterans like L K Advani. Singh was the third leader of the BJP, after Modi and BJP President Amit Shah, who had extensively campaigned for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh between 2000-2002, had also held the portfolios of Surface Transport and Agriculture in Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. A life-long RSS member, Singh occupied various positions in RSS, ABVP and Uttar Pradesh BJP before becoming the national President of the BJP twice -- 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014. Singh, who was elected to Lok Sabha from Lucknow for two consecutive terms in 2014 and 2019, was thrice elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and twice to Rajya Sabha. He was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time in 2009 from Ghaziabad. Singh was appointed district president of the Jana Sangh in 1975 at the age of 24 and was elected as MLA from Mirzapur in 1977. In 1984, he became the UP state president of the BJP's youth wing BJYM, in 1986, its national general secretary and subsequently national president of the BJYM in 1988. Singh was elected a member of the UP Legislative Council in 1988 and became Education Minister of the state in 1991. During his tenure as Education Minister in UP, he established some landmarks by introducing the Anti-Copying Act and Vedic Mathematics in the syllabus and correction of various portions of history textbooks. He became a member of Rajya Sabha in 1994 and also the Chief Whip of the BJP in the upper house. In 1997, Singh became state president of UP BJP. During this period, apart from expanding and strengthening the organisation, he played a key role in saving the BJP-led government twice during political crisis. Singh was appointed Union Surface Transport Minister in 1999 and during this period he got the opportunity to initiate the National Highway Development Programme, a dream project of the then Prime Minister Vajpayee. In October 2000, he became Chief Minister of UP and was twice elected as MLA from Haidargarh constituency in Barabanki. In 2002, he became National General Secretary of BJP. On May 24, 2003, he became Union Minister of Agriculture and subsequently for Food Processing. During this period he initiated a few epoch making projects like Kisan Call Centre and Farm Income Insurance Scheme.

Rajnath Singh: Man of all seasons carries Vajpayee's legacy of 'Ajatshatru'

Reportedly, around 8,000 guests will attend the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today. Watch this video to know more.

Overseas diaspora says 'NaMo'

Leaders from Bimstec countries yesterday confirmed their participation at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30 evening.

WION Exclusive: In conversation with BJP's foreign affairs in-charge

Leaders from Bimstec countries yesterday confirmed their participation at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30 evening. In this video know why invite to BIMSTEC leaders is Important?

Why invite to BIMSTEC leaders is Important?

Y S Jaganmohan Reddy took oath as CM of Andhra Pradesh in Vijayawada. He was administered the oath of office by Governor E S L Narasimhan. Watch this video to know more.

Jagan Mohan Reddy sworn in as Andhra Pradesh CM

PM-elect Narendra Modi is set to take oath with his new cabinet of ministers on Thursday evening at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Ahead of his swearing-in, Modi visited Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi`s memorial. Watch this video to know more.

Reports: Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out

On the 39th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that its workers would be working day and night to ensure that the party and its allies are "blessed" by people in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

In his tweets, he said the BJP was born with an unwavering commitment to serve society and take the nation to new heights, and that it has become India's preferred party.&nbsp;

"The BJP stands tall due to its democratic ethos and patriotic zeal. This is a party that is always on the ground, at the forefront of helping fellow Indians. Our development work has endeared the party to all sections of society, across the length and breadth of India," Modi said.&nbsp;

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> stands tall due to it’s democratic ethos and patriotic zeal. This is a Party that is always on the ground, at the forefront of helping fellow Indians. Our development work has endeared the Party to all sections of society, across the length and breadth of India.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1114361434165645313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I am confident that the entire family of BJP Karyakartas would be working day and night to ensure that our party and our allies are blessed yet again by the people of India. In the last 5 years, lots have been done and we want to do much more for the country," he added.

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I am confident that the entire family of <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> Karyakartas would be working day and night to ensure that our Party and our allies are blessed yet again by the people of India. In the last 5 years lots has been done and we want to do much more for the country.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1114361695781183489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On the occasion, BJP president Amit Shah called upon party workers to put in an "untiring effort" to build a new India under Modi.

Modi also put out a short video featuring speeches of party's founders, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, besides those of him and Shah.

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39 years ago on this day, <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> was born with an unwavering commitment to serve society and take the nation to new heights. Thanks to the efforts of our Karyakartas, BJP has become India’s preferred party. Greetings to the BJP family on the Party’s Foundation Day. <a href="https://t.co/fBHp3fBQ2a">pic.twitter.com/fBHp3fBQ2a</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1114361086139088896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The BJP was founded in 1980 by leaders of the erstwhile Jana Sangh, which had merged in 1977 with Janata Party - an amalgam of several anti-Congress parties.

In the first Lok Sabha polls it fought in 1984, the BJP won only two seats but has since gone from strength to strength, winning a majority of seats for the first time in 2014.

On the 39th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that its workers would be working day and night to ensure that the party and its allies are "blessed" by people in the Lok Sabha polls.

On the 39th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that its workers would be working day and night to ensure that the party and its allies are "blessed" by people in the Lok Sabha polls. In his tweets, he said the BJP was born with an unwavering commitment to serve society and take the nation to new heights, and that it has become India's preferred party. "The BJP stands tall due to its democratic ethos and patriotic zeal. This is a party that is always on the ground, at the forefront of helping fellow Indians. Our development work has endeared the party to all sections of society, across the length and breadth of India," Modi said. The @BJP4India stands tall due to it’s democratic ethos and patriotic zeal. This is a Party that is always on the ground, at the forefront of helping fellow Indians. Our development work has endeared the Party to all sections of society, across the length and breadth of India. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019 × "I am confident that the entire family of BJP Karyakartas would be working day and night to ensure that our party and our allies are blessed yet again by the people of India. In the last 5 years, lots have been done and we want to do much more for the country," he added. I am confident that the entire family of @BJP4India Karyakartas would be working day and night to ensure that our Party and our allies are blessed yet again by the people of India. In the last 5 years lots has been done and we want to do much more for the country. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019 × On the occasion, BJP president Amit Shah called upon party workers to put in an "untiring effort" to build a new India under Modi. Modi also put out a short video featuring speeches of party's founders, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, besides those of him and Shah. 39 years ago on this day, @BJP4India was born with an unwavering commitment to serve society and take the nation to new heights. Thanks to the efforts of our Karyakartas, BJP has become India’s preferred party. Greetings to the BJP family on the Party’s Foundation Day. pic.twitter.com/fBHp3fBQ2a — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019 × The BJP was founded in 1980 by leaders of the erstwhile Jana Sangh, which had merged in 1977 with Janata Party - an amalgam of several anti-Congress parties. In the first Lok Sabha polls it fought in 1984, the BJP won only two seats but has since gone from strength to strength, winning a majority of seats for the first time in 2014.

In last 5 years, lots have been done, want to do much more for the country: Modi

A look at India's most short-lived governments

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday unveiled the&nbsp;portrait of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-atal-bihari-vajpayees-government-went-about-pokhran-ii----136003">former prime&nbsp;minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> at the Central Hall of Parliament in Delhi.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Modi along with several other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "Atal Ji had a long political career, a large part of that career was spent in opposition. Yet, he continued raising issues of public interest and never ever deviated from his ideology".

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji will be remembered because there was criticism in his words for opposition but in his heart, there was no anger against opposition".

The portrait had been prepared by the renowned artist Krishn Kanhai of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.

The decision in this regard was taken unanimously on December 18, last year at a meeting of the parliament's portrait committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M. Thambi Durai, BJD`s Bhratruhari Mahtab, TMC`s Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena`s Ananth Geete and BJP`s Satyanarayan Jatia had attended the meeting.

Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">passed away on August 16, 2018</a>, after a prolonged illness.

The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former prime&nbsp;ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.&nbsp;

Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-releases-rs-100-commemorative-coin-in-memory-of-atal-bihari-vajpayee-186141">commemorative coin in memory of the late leader</a> on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers.

The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday unveiled the portrait of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Central Hall of Parliament in Delhi. The event was attended by Prime Minister Modi along with several other dignitaries.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday unveiled the portrait of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Central Hall of Parliament in Delhi. The event was attended by Prime Minister Modi along with several other dignitaries. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "Atal Ji had a long political career, a large part of that career was spent in opposition. Yet, he continued raising issues of public interest and never ever deviated from his ideology". Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji will be remembered because there was criticism in his words for opposition but in his heart, there was no anger against opposition". The portrait had been prepared by the renowned artist Krishn Kanhai of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. The decision in this regard was taken unanimously on December 18, last year at a meeting of the parliament's portrait committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M. Thambi Durai, BJD`s Bhratruhari Mahtab, TMC`s Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena`s Ananth Geete and BJP`s Satyanarayan Jatia had attended the meeting. Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran passed away on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness. The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin in memory of the late leader on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers. The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages. (With inputs from agencies)

Portrait of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee unveiled in Parliament

A life-size portrait of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12, reports said.

President Ram Nath Kovind will unveil the portrait in the presence of Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others, the report added.

Renowned artist Krishn Kanhai of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh has prepared the portrait of Vajpayee, who served as Prime Minister three times between 1996 and 2004.

The decision in this regard was taken unanimously on December 18, last year at a meeting of the parliament`s portrait committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M. Thambi Durai, BJD`s Bhratruhari Mahtab, TMC`s Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena`s Ananth Geete and BJP`s Satyanarayan Jatia had attended the meeting.

A life-size portrait of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12, reports said. President Ram Nath Kovind will unveil the portrait in the presence of Vice President M.

A life-size portrait of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12, reports said. President Ram Nath Kovind will unveil the portrait in the presence of Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others, the report added. Renowned artist Krishn Kanhai of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh has prepared the portrait of Vajpayee, who served as Prime Minister three times between 1996 and 2004. The decision in this regard was taken unanimously on December 18, last year at a meeting of the parliament`s portrait committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M. Thambi Durai, BJD`s Bhratruhari Mahtab, TMC`s Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena`s Ananth Geete and BJP`s Satyanarayan Jatia had attended the meeting.

Vajpayee's portrait to be installed in Central Hall of Parliament on February 12

Nearly six months after the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his life-size portrait will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12 as a mark of honour for the towering late BJP leader.

The portrait of the Bharat Ratna will be unveiled by President Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers and leaders of various parties, official sources said on Wednesday.

Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran passed away on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness.

The decision to install the portrait of the Bharat Ratna was taken on December 18 at a meeting of Parliament’s Portrait Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

The meeting, which was attended by Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, BJD's B Mahtab, TMC's Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena's Ananth Geete and BJP's Satyanarayan Jatia, had taken the decision unanimously.&nbsp;

The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.&nbsp;

Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin in memory of the late leader on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers.

The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages.

Paying rich tributes to Vajpayee, Modi said on the occasion that the former Prime Minister had never compromised on the party’s ideology.

He said Vajpayee had always pitched for the supremacy of democracy and was unlike those leaders for whom power is oxygen. &nbsp;

Nearly six months after the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his life-size portrait will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12 as a mark of honour for the towering late BJP leader.

Nearly six months after the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, his life-size portrait will be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament on February 12 as a mark of honour for the towering late BJP leader. The portrait of the Bharat Ratna will be unveiled by President Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers and leaders of various parties, official sources said on Wednesday. Vajpayee, a towering BJP leader, was the Prime Minister thrice – first for 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and then from 1999 to 2004. Born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP veteran passed away on August 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness. The decision to install the portrait of the Bharat Ratna was taken on December 18 at a meeting of Parliament’s Portrait Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The meeting, which was attended by Deputy Speaker M. Thambi Durai, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, BJD's B Mahtab, TMC's Sudip Bondopadhyay, TRS` Jithendra Reddy, Shiv Sena's Ananth Geete and BJP's Satyanarayan Jatia, had taken the decision unanimously. The leaders whose portraits already adorn the Central Hall include former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Earlier, on the eve of Vajpayee’s 94th birthday, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin in memory of the late leader on December 24, 2018, in the presence of Sumitra Mahajan and some ministers. The commemorative coin has the Emblem of India on one side and on the other side, Vajpayee’s picture with his name inscribed in Devanagari and Roman languages. Paying rich tributes to Vajpayee, Modi said on the occasion that the former Prime Minister had never compromised on the party’s ideology. He said Vajpayee had always pitched for the supremacy of democracy and was unlike those leaders for whom power is oxygen.

Vajpayee’s portrait to be installed in Parliament on February 12, six months after his demise

Former defence minister George Fernandes died Tuesday morning at the age of 88. The news was broken by his family.&nbsp;

Fernandes had been unwell for some time. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's and PTI reported his family as saying he had recently contracted swine flu.&nbsp;

Fernandes served as defence minister from 1998 to 2004 in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. As defence minister, he oversaw India's 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan and the limited war India fought against Pakistan in Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir in 1999.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitley said Tuesday that Fernandes's last rites will be performed on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"He had expressed his wished earlier to be cremated but during his last days, he said he wanted to be buried. So, we will cremate the body and bury the ashes, to fulfil both his wishes," she added.&nbsp;

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Social activist &amp; former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly: Last rites of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeFernandes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgeFernandes</a> to be held tomorrow, after the arrival of his son. Right now, the body is being embalmed. <a href="https://t.co/ZHahmmvpb3">pic.twitter.com/ZHahmmvpb3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090114656931336192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from outside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeFernandes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgeFernandes</a>'s residence in Delhi. He passed away today morning at the age of 88; Social activist &amp; former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly present at the residence. <a href="https://t.co/CF4gMzTDuS">pic.twitter.com/CF4gMzTDuS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1090108800487567361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Fernades was born in Mangalore, Karnataka.&nbsp;He had at one time been training to become a priest before moving to trade union politics.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/george-the-giant-killer-five-interesting-facts-about-george-fernandes-193572">5 interesting facts about 'George the Giant Killer'</a>

He won his first Lok Sabha election in 1967.&nbsp;

He organised a nationwide railway strike in 1974.&nbsp;

He was arrested during the Emergency and charged with conspiring to blow up railway tracks. He contested the 1977 elections from jail — he had by then become an anti-Emergency hero — winning the Muzaffarpur constituency in Bihar by a landslide, and was made industries minister in the Janata Party government headed by Morarji Desai.&nbsp;

He went on to found the Samata Party.&nbsp;

Fernandes also served as railway minister in the VP Singh government from 1989 to 1990.&nbsp;

Fernandes stepped down as Vajpayee's defence minister in 2004 after the "coffin gate" scandal broke out. He was however later absolved by two commissions of inquiry.&nbsp;

The Tehelka scandal also cast a long shadow over his term in office.&nbsp;

Fernandes's death was condoled Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

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George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership. 
 
Frank and fearless, forthright and farsighted, he made a valuable contribution to our country. He was among the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalised. 
 
Saddened by his passing away.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1090098808141369344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership," Modi said. "Saddened by his passing away," he added.&nbsp;

Former defence minister George Fernandes died Tuesday morning at the age of 88. The news was broken by his family. Fernandes had been unwell for some time. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's and PTI reported his family as saying he had recently contracted swine flu.

Former defence minister George Fernandes died Tuesday morning at the age of 88. The news was broken by his family. Fernandes had been unwell for some time. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's and PTI reported his family as saying he had recently contracted swine flu. Fernandes served as defence minister from 1998 to 2004 in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. As defence minister, he oversaw India's 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan and the limited war India fought against Pakistan in Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir in 1999. Former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitley said Tuesday that Fernandes's last rites will be performed on Wednesday. "He had expressed his wished earlier to be cremated but during his last days, he said he wanted to be buried. So, we will cremate the body and bury the ashes, to fulfil both his wishes," she added. Social activist & former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly: Last rites of #GeorgeFernandes to be held tomorrow, after the arrival of his son. Right now, the body is being embalmed. pic.twitter.com/ZHahmmvpb3 — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019 × #Visuals from outside #GeorgeFernandes's residence in Delhi. He passed away today morning at the age of 88; Social activist & former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly present at the residence. pic.twitter.com/CF4gMzTDuS — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2019 × Fernades was born in Mangalore, Karnataka. He had at one time been training to become a priest before moving to trade union politics. Also read: 5 interesting facts about 'George the Giant Killer' He won his first Lok Sabha election in 1967. He organised a nationwide railway strike in 1974. He was arrested during the Emergency and charged with conspiring to blow up railway tracks. He contested the 1977 elections from jail — he had by then become an anti-Emergency hero — winning the Muzaffarpur constituency in Bihar by a landslide, and was made industries minister in the Janata Party government headed by Morarji Desai. He went on to found the Samata Party. Fernandes also served as railway minister in the VP Singh government from 1989 to 1990. Fernandes stepped down as Vajpayee's defence minister in 2004 after the "coffin gate" scandal broke out. He was however later absolved by two commissions of inquiry. The Tehelka scandal also cast a long shadow over his term in office. Fernandes's death was condoled Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership. Frank and fearless, forthright and farsighted, he made a valuable contribution to our country. He was among the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalised. Saddened by his passing away. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2019 × "George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership," Modi said. "Saddened by his passing away," he added.

Former defence minister George Fernandes dead at 88 

Sharing the stage with opposition leaders in Kolkata, disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha Saturday called for changing the government in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-will-be-second-fight-for-independence-stalin-at-tmcs-opposition-rally-191385">2019 Lok Sabha election</a> and said he was not afraid of being removed from the ruling party.

He insisted he would continue to "show mirror" to the party and call "a spade a spade".

Sinha has been at odds with his party over several issues and has criticised the demonetisation exercise and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. He has said he was attending the rally hosted by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata as a representative of the Rashtra Manch, a political action group launched by former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha.

"My elder brother Yashwant Sinha was saying that after this I will be definitely removed from the party, I told him 'koi baat nahi hai' (no problem)," he said at the rally attended by several opposition leaders, including from the AAP and the RJD.

Known for his powerful dialogues in Hindi movies, Sinha said, "He is in Bharatiya Janata Party but before that he is with Bharat ki janata."

Two days ago, Sinha had said he did not receive "respect" in the BJP and will attend the Kolkata rally, which was being projected as a show of strength by anti-BJP political parties.

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Shatrughan Sinha, BJP at Opposition rally in Kolkata: Agar sach kehna baghawat hai toh samjho hum bhi baghi hain. Main sach ke saath, sidhanton se samjhouta nahi kar sakta. <a href="https://t.co/hJE1Z2Mv4P">pic.twitter.com/hJE1Z2Mv4P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086558467392000001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sinha was called to make his speech after several senior leaders such as former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and chief ministers H D Kumaraswamy, N Chandrababu Naidu and Arvind Kejriwal had made their speech.

He spoke at length and attacked the Modi government on the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal, demonetisation and implementation of GST.

"If you keep suppressing facts, people will continue to say 'chaukidar chor hain'," he said, using the word Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been employing to criticise the prime minister on the Rafale jet deal issue.

Sinha praised Banerjee, Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

Sinha, who served as a Union minister in the NDA cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said there was "lokshahi" during Vajpayee's tenure and now it's "tanashahi" (dictatorship).

He urged all leaders present at the dais to walk together to usher a change in the country and facilitate a new leadership to take over.&nbsp;

Sinha has been at odds with his party over several issues and has criticised the demonetisation exercise and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax.

Sharing the stage with opposition leaders in Kolkata, disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha Saturday called for changing the government in the 2019 Lok Sabha election and said he was not afraid of being removed from the ruling party. He insisted he would continue to "show mirror" to the party and call "a spade a spade". Sinha has been at odds with his party over several issues and has criticised the demonetisation exercise and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax. He has said he was attending the rally hosted by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata as a representative of the Rashtra Manch, a political action group launched by former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha. "My elder brother Yashwant Sinha was saying that after this I will be definitely removed from the party, I told him 'koi baat nahi hai' (no problem)," he said at the rally attended by several opposition leaders, including from the AAP and the RJD. Known for his powerful dialogues in Hindi movies, Sinha said, "He is in Bharatiya Janata Party but before that he is with Bharat ki janata." Two days ago, Sinha had said he did not receive "respect" in the BJP and will attend the Kolkata rally, which was being projected as a show of strength by anti-BJP political parties. Shatrughan Sinha, BJP at Opposition rally in Kolkata: Agar sach kehna baghawat hai toh samjho hum bhi baghi hain. Main sach ke saath, sidhanton se samjhouta nahi kar sakta. pic.twitter.com/hJE1Z2Mv4P — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × Sinha was called to make his speech after several senior leaders such as former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and chief ministers H D Kumaraswamy, N Chandrababu Naidu and Arvind Kejriwal had made their speech. He spoke at length and attacked the Modi government on the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal, demonetisation and implementation of GST. "If you keep suppressing facts, people will continue to say 'chaukidar chor hain'," he said, using the word Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been employing to criticise the prime minister on the Rafale jet deal issue. Sinha praised Banerjee, Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Sinha, who served as a Union minister in the NDA cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said there was "lokshahi" during Vajpayee's tenure and now it's "tanashahi" (dictatorship). He urged all leaders present at the dais to walk together to usher a change in the country and facilitate a new leadership to take over.

Shatrughan Sinha joins opposition leaders at Kolkata rally, says not afraid if BJP removes him

As the nation remembers former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 94th birth anniversary, a memorial was dedicated to the country today at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial today.

According to reports, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other eminent personalities attended a prayer meeting at the memorial, Sadaiv Atal, near Rajghat.

Developed by Atal Smriti Nyas Society, 'Sadaiv Atal'&nbsp;was constructed by the Centre Public Works Department (CPWD) at a cost of Rs. 10.51 crore. The project was funded by the Atal Smriti Nyas Society, news agency PTI reported.

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Delhi: Dr.Manmohan Singh arrives at a prayer meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal. He was received by BJP President Amit Shah. Today is Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary <a href="https://t.co/v7uVuRP6WR">pic.twitter.com/v7uVuRP6WR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077413940144021505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Spread over 1.5 acres of land at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the memorial is enclosed by nine bas-relief walls which have inscriptions of Vajpayee's poetic gems. Rashtriya Smriti Sthal is the place where the former prime minister was cremated on August 17.

On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday released a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-releases-rs-100-commemorative-coin-in-memory-of-atal-bihari-vajpayee-186141">Rs 100 commemorative coin</a> in the memory of the former premier.

Vajpayee's long-time associate and BJP veteran L K Advani, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the event here.

Vajpayee's birth anniversary is also observed as Good Governance Day by the Centre. On the occasion, PM Modi will inaugurate <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-indias-longest-rail-road-bridge-today-186250">India's longest rail-road bridge</a> in Assam today.&nbsp;

The former prime minister had passed away at AIIMS after prolonged illness on August 16. He was cremated on August 17 with full state honours.

 
(With inputs from PTI)

As the nation remembers former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 94th birth anniversary, a memorial was dedicated to the country today at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Delhi.

As the nation remembers former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 94th birth anniversary, a memorial was dedicated to the country today at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial today. According to reports, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other eminent personalities attended a prayer meeting at the memorial, Sadaiv Atal, near Rajghat. Developed by Atal Smriti Nyas Society, 'Sadaiv Atal' was constructed by the Centre Public Works Department (CPWD) at a cost of Rs. 10.51 crore. The project was funded by the Atal Smriti Nyas Society, news agency PTI reported. Delhi: Dr.Manmohan Singh arrives at a prayer meeting of #AtalBihariVajpayee at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal. He was received by BJP President Amit Shah. Today is Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary pic.twitter.com/v7uVuRP6WR — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × Spread over 1.5 acres of land at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the memorial is enclosed by nine bas-relief walls which have inscriptions of Vajpayee's poetic gems. Rashtriya Smriti Sthal is the place where the former prime minister was cremated on August 17. On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday released a Rs 100 commemorative coin in the memory of the former premier. Vajpayee's long-time associate and BJP veteran L K Advani, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the event here. Vajpayee's birth anniversary is also observed as Good Governance Day by the Centre. On the occasion, PM Modi will inaugurate India's longest rail-road bridge in Assam today. The former prime minister had passed away at AIIMS after prolonged illness on August 16. He was cremated on August 17 with full state honours. (With inputs from PTI)

On Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, PM Modi inaugurates 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's memorial to be inaugurated today in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government has changed the "dilly-dallying" work culture regarding the implementation of development projects.

Addressing a rally here after inaugurating the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge, at Bogibeel in Assam, he said completion of projects within a given time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a reality.

"We have changed the earlier 'latkane bhatkane' (dilly-dallying) work culture... Completion of projects within a time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a truth in the real sense," he said in a apparent dig at the previous Congress-led UPA government.

If former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had a second term, Bogibeel Bridge would have been ready by 2008-09. After his government, no attention was paid to the project till 2014, the prime minister said.

''About 16 years ago, Atal Ji came here. He had a vision for the development of the Bogibeel Bridge. This Bridge is also a tribute to his vision. When Vajpayee ji's Government lost power in 2004, several key infrastructure projects of his era were not completed,'' Modi said.

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PM Modi: About 16 years ago, Atal Ji came here. He had a vision for the development of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BogibeelBridge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BogibeelBridge</a>. This Bridge is also a tribute to his vision. When Vajpayee ji's Government lost power in 2004, several key infrastructure projects of his era were not completed. <a href="https://t.co/qFyeQiuhCu">pic.twitter.com/qFyeQiuhCu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077512145670033409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Asserting that the Bogibeel bridge will strengthen the country's defence prowess with movement of vehicles and trains, he said, it is not only a bridge, it is a lifeline for crores of people in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The bridge will cut down rail distance (between Dibrugarh in Assam to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh) to below 200 km from 700 km now, Modi said.

After inaugurating the bridge, the prime minister flagged off the Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express, which will run five days a week and use the 4.9-km bridge to cut down the train-travel time between Tinsukia in Assam to Naharlagun town of Arunachal Pradesh by more than 10 hours.

Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh is just over 15 km from Naharlagun.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government has changed the "dilly-dallying" work culture regarding the implementation of development projects. Addressing a rally here after inaugurating the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge, at Bogibeel in Assam, he said completion of projects within a given time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a reality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government has changed the "dilly-dallying" work culture regarding the implementation of development projects. Addressing a rally here after inaugurating the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge, at Bogibeel in Assam, he said completion of projects within a given time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a reality. "We have changed the earlier 'latkane bhatkane' (dilly-dallying) work culture... Completion of projects within a time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a truth in the real sense," he said in a apparent dig at the previous Congress-led UPA government. If former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had a second term, Bogibeel Bridge would have been ready by 2008-09. After his government, no attention was paid to the project till 2014, the prime minister said. ''About 16 years ago, Atal Ji came here. He had a vision for the development of the Bogibeel Bridge. This Bridge is also a tribute to his vision. When Vajpayee ji's Government lost power in 2004, several key infrastructure projects of his era were not completed,'' Modi said. PM Modi: About 16 years ago, Atal Ji came here. He had a vision for the development of the #BogibeelBridge. This Bridge is also a tribute to his vision. When Vajpayee ji's Government lost power in 2004, several key infrastructure projects of his era were not completed. pic.twitter.com/qFyeQiuhCu — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × Asserting that the Bogibeel bridge will strengthen the country's defence prowess with movement of vehicles and trains, he said, it is not only a bridge, it is a lifeline for crores of people in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The bridge will cut down rail distance (between Dibrugarh in Assam to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh) to below 200 km from 700 km now, Modi said. After inaugurating the bridge, the prime minister flagged off the Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express, which will run five days a week and use the 4.9-km bridge to cut down the train-travel time between Tinsukia in Assam to Naharlagun town of Arunachal Pradesh by more than 10 hours. Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh is just over 15 km from Naharlagun.

Bogibeel bridge tribute to Vajpayee's vision: PM Modi in Assam

On the eve of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a>'s 94th birth anniversary, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-flag-off-first-train-on-longest-rail-road-bridge-on-december-25-185986">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Monday released a Rs 100 commemorative coin in the memory of the former premier.

Vajpayee's long-time associate and BJP veteran L K Advani, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the event here.

The former prime minister died at the AIIMS in the national capital in August at the age of 93 following prolonged illness.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said he would go to Vajpayee's memorial on Tuesday to reiterate his commitment to the ideology and path shown by the statesman.&nbsp;

"Atal Ji wanted democracy to be supreme. He built the Jana Sangh. But, when the time came to rescue our democracy he and others went to Janata Party. Likewise, when the choice was between remaining in power or comprising on ideology, he left Janata Party and formed the BJP," the prime minister said.&nbsp;

He said while for some, power is oxygen and they cannot live without it, Vajpayee spent a long part of his career in the opposition benches raising issues of national interest.&nbsp;

The late prime minister never compromised on the ideology of the party, Modi said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

He said, the party, which "Atalji built brick by brick" has become among the largest political parties.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi said Vajpayee as a speaker was unparalleled. "When he spoke, the nation spoke... When he spoke the nation listened," he said.

The mind is not ready to believe that Vajpayee is no longer alive. Though he was away from public glare for nearly a decade due to ill health, the way people gave him a farewell on his demise showed the mark he had created in people's minds, Modi said.&nbsp;

On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday released a Rs 100 commemorative coin in the memory of the former premier.

On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday released a Rs 100 commemorative coin in the memory of the former premier. Vajpayee's long-time associate and BJP veteran L K Advani, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the event here. The former prime minister died at the AIIMS in the national capital in August at the age of 93 following prolonged illness. Addressing the gathering, Modi said he would go to Vajpayee's memorial on Tuesday to reiterate his commitment to the ideology and path shown by the statesman. "Atal Ji wanted democracy to be supreme. He built the Jana Sangh. But, when the time came to rescue our democracy he and others went to Janata Party. Likewise, when the choice was between remaining in power or comprising on ideology, he left Janata Party and formed the BJP," the prime minister said. He said while for some, power is oxygen and they cannot live without it, Vajpayee spent a long part of his career in the opposition benches raising issues of national interest. The late prime minister never compromised on the ideology of the party, Modi said. He said, the party, which "Atalji built brick by brick" has become among the largest political parties. Prime Minister Modi said Vajpayee as a speaker was unparalleled. "When he spoke, the nation spoke... When he spoke the nation listened," he said. The mind is not ready to believe that Vajpayee is no longer alive. Though he was away from public glare for nearly a decade due to ill health, the way people gave him a farewell on his demise showed the mark he had created in people's minds, Modi said.

PM Modi releases Rs 100 commemorative coin in memory of Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit out at the Congress party for not conferring former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee with the Bharat Ratna.

Former PM Vajpayee was presented the country's highest civilian award at his residence in 2015, few months after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government came to power.

"Vajpayee ji told me that when he made his 1st speech, Nehru went to him and said Atal you will be the PM of this nation one day. He coming from an RSS background realised that this nation can't be built by one, but by all. Those who built this in the past can`t be forgotten. The point I have against Congress is that they should have given him the Bharat Ratna when he was in alive and in good health," Abdullah said at a book launch event in the capital.

Abdullah also accused PM Narendra Modi of not maintaining the dignity of the Prime Minister's Office and credited former prime ministers Rajiv and Indira Gandhi for where the country stands today.

"I think it is the quality of the people in the government. It is nothing else. The quality goes down to the level of forgetting what Nehru contributed to this country, what Indira Gandhi gave to this country. She gave her life. Rajiv Gandhi and other Prime Ministers- did they not give their entire time to build this nation? If we are sitting here, it is because of them. But what is he talking about? That his father and mother were abused? Is that the level of the Prime Minister? I have never used my father and my mother in my language. As Prime Minister of this nation, he has to think in a bigger way," he stated.

On Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had approached the Election Commission to lodge a complaint against former Union Minister and Congress leader Vilasrao Muttemwar for his remark on Prime Minister Modi's father, and Congress leader Raj Babbar's comparison of the Indian Rupee's devaluation to Prime Minister Modi's 96-year-old mother.

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit out at the Congress party for not conferring former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee with the Bharat Ratna.

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday hit out at the Congress party for not conferring former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee with the Bharat Ratna. Former PM Vajpayee was presented the country's highest civilian award at his residence in 2015, few months after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government came to power. "Vajpayee ji told me that when he made his 1st speech, Nehru went to him and said Atal you will be the PM of this nation one day. He coming from an RSS background realised that this nation can't be built by one, but by all. Those who built this in the past can`t be forgotten. The point I have against Congress is that they should have given him the Bharat Ratna when he was in alive and in good health," Abdullah said at a book launch event in the capital. Abdullah also accused PM Narendra Modi of not maintaining the dignity of the Prime Minister's Office and credited former prime ministers Rajiv and Indira Gandhi for where the country stands today. "I think it is the quality of the people in the government. It is nothing else. The quality goes down to the level of forgetting what Nehru contributed to this country, what Indira Gandhi gave to this country. She gave her life. Rajiv Gandhi and other Prime Ministers- did they not give their entire time to build this nation? If we are sitting here, it is because of them. But what is he talking about? That his father and mother were abused? Is that the level of the Prime Minister? I have never used my father and my mother in my language. As Prime Minister of this nation, he has to think in a bigger way," he stated. On Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had approached the Election Commission to lodge a complaint against former Union Minister and Congress leader Vilasrao Muttemwar for his remark on Prime Minister Modi's father, and Congress leader Raj Babbar's comparison of the Indian Rupee's devaluation to Prime Minister Modi's 96-year-old mother.

Congress should've given Bharat Ratna to former PM Vajpayee: Farooq Abdullah

What's in a name? A lot, if the name to bank upon is Atal Bihari Vajpayee in this assembly constituency of Chhattisgarh where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the BJP is pitted against Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of the late former prime minister.

Both the parties are trying their best to garner votes in Vajpayee's name. While the ruling party leaders say the BJP and Vajpayee are "synonymous", Shukla alleged the chief minister was showing his "double standards" by claiming to follow the ideology of the BJP stalwart when the state government was "miles apart" from the former prime minister's teachings.

"BJP has changed its 'chaal, charitra aur chehra' (ways, character and face). It is no more a party envisaged by Atal ji and (Lal Krishna) Advani ji and people of the state know this," Shukla told PTI on her campaign trail.

"There is no question of denying that I am Atal ji's niece. His teachings and courage are in my blood. I am guided by his principles. People in Rajnandgaon know that I will implement the model of good governance in the corruption-riddled state if the Congress wins election," said Shukla, a former BJP central office-bearer who quit the party in 2013 after over three decades of association.

She joined the Congress in February 2014 and unsuccessfully fought the Lok Sabha elections from the state's Bilaspur seat on the party ticket. As a BJP leader, she had won the Lok Sabha elections from Janjgir in 2004, but lost in 2009 from Korba.

The Congress has now fielded her from Rajnandgaon, the chief minister's home turf.

"Raman Singh calls me his sister. He claims that he is following the ideology of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. As far as I know this (state) government is miles apart from Atal ji's teaching. It is his (CM's) double standard," Shukla alleged.

Both Shukla and Singh are seeking votes in the name of Vajpayee and his good-governance principles.

Shukla also accused Singh of ignoring his home constituency, alleging that no development has taken place in the area in the past five years.

"It is a sorry state of affairs in Rajnandgaon where people face scarcity of water and access to other necessities. Corruption is rampant in the administration. People will root out this corrupt government this time from the state," she said.

She exuded confidence that the Congress will form a government in the state after winning the elections. Singh has been the state's chief minister for nearly 15 years with his party managing to keep the Congress away from the government for three consecutive assembly elections.

The Congress was in power in the state only during the first assembly, after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh.

Rejecting Shukla's allegations, the BJP leaders said the people of Rajnandgaon are seeing development done by the chief minister Raman Singh and his government and that the BJP will win the seat with record margin this time.

"Karuna ji had left BJP to join Congress. People know this very well. She will not present any challenge for Raman Singh who will win the polls with the record margin of votes,"said Sanjay Shrivastava, a senior BJP leader of the state.

The BJP has projected the election in Singh's home constituency as a fight between a local and an outsider.

Shrivastava said Shukla is an outsider and voters know this.

"How can they expect somebody who is not from their area to work from them. People in Rajnandgaon have full faith in Raman Singh and it will be proved after the voting on November 12,"&nbsp;Shrivastava said.

He said the BJP and Atal ji are synonymous with each other and there is no denying this fact.

"BJP is seeking votes by citing its good governance and development model which people of the state have been witnessing. All leaders of the party including Atal Ji and their legacy is certainly part of the part campaign," another senior BJP leader said.

The chief minister's son Abhishek Singh is the sitting MP from Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency. The six assembly seats under Rajnandgaon district, including the one from which the chief minister is fighting, will go to polls on November 12.

Voting will take place for a total of 18 seats on the date, while the remaining 72 seats will go to polls in the second phase on November 20. The counting for all 90 seats will take place on December 11, along with the same for the four other states -- neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Mizoram.

In the 2013 elections, the BJP lifted 49 seats while the Congress got 39.

Singh had defeated his Congress rival in 2013 from nearly 36,000 votes, but some poll pundits attributed his victory to urban areas as they saw the Congress having done better among rural voters.

Another key factor in the state elections this time is former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC), who has joined hands with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party.

First Jogi was being seen as giving a direct fight to Singh from Rajnandgaon constituency, but later he nominated a local corporator. Pundits say Jogi himself could have given Singh a good fight given a strong presence of voters from his caste base of Mahars and Satnamis.

What's in a name? A lot, if the name to bank upon is Atal Bihari Vajpayee in this assembly constituency of Chhattisgarh where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the BJP is pitted against Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of the late former prime minister.

What's in a name? A lot, if the name to bank upon is Atal Bihari Vajpayee in this assembly constituency of Chhattisgarh where Chief Minister Raman Singh of the BJP is pitted against Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of the late former prime minister. Both the parties are trying their best to garner votes in Vajpayee's name. While the ruling party leaders say the BJP and Vajpayee are "synonymous", Shukla alleged the chief minister was showing his "double standards" by claiming to follow the ideology of the BJP stalwart when the state government was "miles apart" from the former prime minister's teachings. "BJP has changed its 'chaal, charitra aur chehra' (ways, character and face). It is no more a party envisaged by Atal ji and (Lal Krishna) Advani ji and people of the state know this," Shukla told PTI on her campaign trail. "There is no question of denying that I am Atal ji's niece. His teachings and courage are in my blood. I am guided by his principles. People in Rajnandgaon know that I will implement the model of good governance in the corruption-riddled state if the Congress wins election," said Shukla, a former BJP central office-bearer who quit the party in 2013 after over three decades of association. She joined the Congress in February 2014 and unsuccessfully fought the Lok Sabha elections from the state's Bilaspur seat on the party ticket. As a BJP leader, she had won the Lok Sabha elections from Janjgir in 2004, but lost in 2009 from Korba. The Congress has now fielded her from Rajnandgaon, the chief minister's home turf. "Raman Singh calls me his sister. He claims that he is following the ideology of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. As far as I know this (state) government is miles apart from Atal ji's teaching. It is his (CM's) double standard," Shukla alleged. Both Shukla and Singh are seeking votes in the name of Vajpayee and his good-governance principles. Shukla also accused Singh of ignoring his home constituency, alleging that no development has taken place in the area in the past five years. "It is a sorry state of affairs in Rajnandgaon where people face scarcity of water and access to other necessities. Corruption is rampant in the administration. People will root out this corrupt government this time from the state," she said. She exuded confidence that the Congress will form a government in the state after winning the elections. Singh has been the state's chief minister for nearly 15 years with his party managing to keep the Congress away from the government for three consecutive assembly elections. The Congress was in power in the state only during the first assembly, after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. Rejecting Shukla's allegations, the BJP leaders said the people of Rajnandgaon are seeing development done by the chief minister Raman Singh and his government and that the BJP will win the seat with record margin this time. "Karuna ji had left BJP to join Congress. People know this very well. She will not present any challenge for Raman Singh who will win the polls with the record margin of votes,"said Sanjay Shrivastava, a senior BJP leader of the state. The BJP has projected the election in Singh's home constituency as a fight between a local and an outsider. Shrivastava said Shukla is an outsider and voters know this. "How can they expect somebody who is not from their area to work from them. People in Rajnandgaon have full faith in Raman Singh and it will be proved after the voting on November 12," Shrivastava said. He said the BJP and Atal ji are synonymous with each other and there is no denying this fact. "BJP is seeking votes by citing its good governance and development model which people of the state have been witnessing. All leaders of the party including Atal Ji and their legacy is certainly part of the part campaign," another senior BJP leader said. The chief minister's son Abhishek Singh is the sitting MP from Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency. The six assembly seats under Rajnandgaon district, including the one from which the chief minister is fighting, will go to polls on November 12. Voting will take place for a total of 18 seats on the date, while the remaining 72 seats will go to polls in the second phase on November 20. The counting for all 90 seats will take place on December 11, along with the same for the four other states -- neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Mizoram. In the 2013 elections, the BJP lifted 49 seats while the Congress got 39. Singh had defeated his Congress rival in 2013 from nearly 36,000 votes, but some poll pundits attributed his victory to urban areas as they saw the Congress having done better among rural voters. Another key factor in the state elections this time is former chief minister Ajit Jogi's Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC), who has joined hands with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party. First Jogi was being seen as giving a direct fight to Singh from Rajnandgaon constituency, but later he nominated a local corporator. Pundits say Jogi himself could have given Singh a good fight given a strong presence of voters from his caste base of Mahars and Satnamis.

In Raman Singh's home turf, both BJP and Congress seek votes in Vajpayee's name

The Uttar Pradesh government rechristened the Ekana International Cricket Stadium, where the second T20I between India and West Indies will take place, as Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium'. &nbsp;

The three-time prime minister of India represented Lucknow in Parliament.

The 2nd T20I between India and West Indies will be the first-ever international cricket match in the state capital.

UP Governor Ram Naik has approved the government proposal to this effect. Orders were issued for the change of name by Principal Secretary (Housing) Nitin Ramesh Gokaran late on Monday.

Meanwhile, the visitors lost the first ODI by five wickets and will be aiming to save the series by winning today's game.

The Uttar Pradesh government rechristened the Ekana International Cricket Stadium, where the second T20I between India and West Indies will take place, as Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium'.

The Uttar Pradesh government rechristened the Ekana International Cricket Stadium, where the second T20I between India and West Indies will take place, as Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium'. The three-time prime minister of India represented Lucknow in Parliament. The 2nd T20I between India and West Indies will be the first-ever international cricket match in the state capital. UP Governor Ram Naik has approved the government proposal to this effect. Orders were issued for the change of name by Principal Secretary (Housing) Nitin Ramesh Gokaran late on Monday. Meanwhile, the visitors lost the first ODI by five wickets and will be aiming to save the series by winning today's game.

IND vs WI: 2nd T20I venue renamed after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, saying that it lacks leadership, strategy and principle.

While addressing a public rally days before the first phase of the Assembly election in the state Shah said, "On one side, there is Congress with no leader, no strategy and no principle and on the other hand, there is the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raman Singh. The Congress always opposed the Chhattisgarh and it was only after Atal Bihari Vajpayee became prime minister that the state was formed."

He also drew a comparison between former Congress government at the Centre and the incumbent BJP government at the Centre.

"Five years back, when there was the Congress government; it gave Chhattisgarh Rs 48,000 crore during the 13th Finance Commission. When the BJP government came in the 14th pay commission, Rs 1, 37,947 crores was given to Chhattisgarh. So, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government increased the amount by as much as Rs 90,000 crore," Shah said.

Outlining the people-oriented policies of the central and state government, Shah further talked about Ujjawala Yojana among other schemes and urged people to vote for the BJP candidates.

"Under the Ujjawala Scheme, 36 lakh poor women of the state were provided with gas cylinder and stove. Under Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana, over 2.5 lakh poor people have been provided with a house. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh government was the first one to start giving rice to poor at the rate of Rs 2/kg," Shah said.

He urged the people of Chhattisgarh to re-elect Raman Singh in 2018 before once again electing Narendra Modi as Prime Minister in 2019.

He also emphasised that both the state and central governments through their combined effort wish to make Chhattisgarh as the most developed state in India in the next five years.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, saying that it lacks leadership, strategy and principle. While addressing a public rally days before the first phase of the Assembly election in the state Shah said, "On one side, there is Congress with no leader, no strategy and no principle and on the other hand, there is the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raman Singh.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, saying that it lacks leadership, strategy and principle. While addressing a public rally days before the first phase of the Assembly election in the state Shah said, "On one side, there is Congress with no leader, no strategy and no principle and on the other hand, there is the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raman Singh. The Congress always opposed the Chhattisgarh and it was only after Atal Bihari Vajpayee became prime minister that the state was formed." He also drew a comparison between former Congress government at the Centre and the incumbent BJP government at the Centre. "Five years back, when there was the Congress government; it gave Chhattisgarh Rs 48,000 crore during the 13th Finance Commission. When the BJP government came in the 14th pay commission, Rs 1, 37,947 crores was given to Chhattisgarh. So, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government increased the amount by as much as Rs 90,000 crore," Shah said. Outlining the people-oriented policies of the central and state government, Shah further talked about Ujjawala Yojana among other schemes and urged people to vote for the BJP candidates. "Under the Ujjawala Scheme, 36 lakh poor women of the state were provided with gas cylinder and stove. Under Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana, over 2.5 lakh poor people have been provided with a house. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh government was the first one to start giving rice to poor at the rate of Rs 2/kg," Shah said. He urged the people of Chhattisgarh to re-elect Raman Singh in 2018 before once again electing Narendra Modi as Prime Minister in 2019. He also emphasised that both the state and central governments through their combined effort wish to make Chhattisgarh as the most developed state in India in the next five years.

Congress lacks leadership, strategy and principle: Amit Shah in Chhattisgarh rally

A mountaineering expedition to two virgin peaks in Gangotri glacier, which are to be named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, successfully concluded with two teams scaling the peaks.

The team of mountaineers hoisted the tricolour on four peaks, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering principal Colonel Amit Bisht said.

The team will return to Uttarkashi on Sunday when details of the records set during the expedition will be shared with the media, he said.

The joint expedition named "Mission Atal" undertaken by teams from Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering was flagged off by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat from Dehradun on October 4.

The two peaks, to be named Atal-1 and Atal-2, are at heights of 6,557 and 6,566 metres.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 93, died at All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Delhi on August 16 after a prolonged illness.

A mountaineering expedition to two virgin peaks in Gangotri glacier, which are to be named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, successfully concluded with two teams scaling the peaks.

A mountaineering expedition to two virgin peaks in Gangotri glacier, which are to be named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, successfully concluded with two teams scaling the peaks. The team of mountaineers hoisted the tricolour on four peaks, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering principal Colonel Amit Bisht said. The team will return to Uttarkashi on Sunday when details of the records set during the expedition will be shared with the media, he said. The joint expedition named "Mission Atal" undertaken by teams from Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering was flagged off by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat from Dehradun on October 4. The two peaks, to be named Atal-1 and Atal-2, are at heights of 6,557 and 6,566 metres. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 93, died at All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Delhi on August 16 after a prolonged illness.

Uttarkashi: Mountaineers scale peaks to be named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has shown significant improvement in the last 48 hours, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said on Wednesday. Addressing media here, AIIMS director Dr&nbspRandeep Guleria said the former prime minister will recover completely in the next few days.

"Atal Bihari Vajpayee has shown significant improvement in the last 48 hours. His kidney function is back to normal, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure are also normal they are being maintained without support. Hopefully, he will make full recovery in the next few days. Overall, his health is good," he said.

Vajpayee was admitted to the state-run hospital on June 11, following which he was detected with urinary tract infection, chest congestion, and low urine output. Dr Aarti Vij, an AIIMS official, had said that the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was on injectable antibiotics.

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Atal B Vajpayee has shown significant improvement in last 48 hrs. His kidney function is back to normal, heart rate,respiratory rate & BP also normal, they're being maintained without support. Hopefully he'll make full recovery in next few days, overall his health is good: AIIMS <a href="https://t.co/YXCcVIoQ99">pic.twitter.com/YXCcVIoQ99</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1006847049248043011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Former Prime Minister Vajpayee`s condition is stable. He is responding to treatment and is on injectable antibiotics. All vital parameters are stable. He will continue to be in the hospital until the infection is controlled," she said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, veteran BJP leader LK&nbspAdvani, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP Chief Amit Shah, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited Vajpayee at the hospital.&nbsp

Vajpayee was admitted to the state-run hospital on June 11, following which he was detected with urinary tract infection, chest congestion, and low urine output

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has shown significant improvement in the last 48 hours, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said on Wednesday. Addressing media here, AIIMS director Dr&nbspRandeep Guleria said the former prime minister will recover completely in the next few days. "Atal Bihari Vajpayee has shown significant improvement in the last 48 hours. His kidney function is back to normal, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure are also normal they are being maintained without support. Hopefully, he will make full recovery in the next few days. Overall, his health is good," he said. Vajpayee was admitted to the state-run hospital on June 11, following which he was detected with urinary tract infection, chest congestion, and low urine output. Dr Aarti Vij, an AIIMS official, had said that the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was on injectable antibiotics. Atal B Vajpayee has shown significant improvement in last 48 hrs. His kidney function is back to normal, heart rate,respiratory rate & BP also normal, they're being maintained without support. Hopefully he'll make full recovery in next few days, overall his health is good: AIIMS pic.twitter.com/YXCcVIoQ99 — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2018 × "Former Prime Minister Vajpayee`s condition is stable. He is responding to treatment and is on injectable antibiotics. All vital parameters are stable. He will continue to be in the hospital until the infection is controlled," she said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, veteran BJP leader LK&nbspAdvani, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP Chief Amit Shah, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited Vajpayee at the hospital.

Former PM Vajpayee's health improving: AIIMS

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, undergoing treatment for urinary tract infection at the AIIMS here, is responding well and his vital parameters are stable, hospital officials said on Tuesday.

Vajpayee was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Monday.&nbsp

In a statement, the AIIMS said, "His condition is stable. He is responding to treatment and is on injectable antibiotics. All his vital parameters are stable. He will continue to be in hospital till the infection is controlled".

A team of doctors, under the supervision of AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, evaluated his condition sometime back, a source said. 
He continues to remain in the ICU of the cardio-thoracic centre of AIIMS, the source said.

Yesterday, the hospital said Vajpayee, who has been ailing for long, was admitted for routine check-up and investigations.

In a statement issued at 10.45 pm yesterday, the AIIMS said Vajpayee was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.

A host of leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the BJP patriarch at the hospital yesterday.

Modi met the doctors and enquired about the well-being of Vajpayee. He also met his family members, according to an official statement issued yesterday.

BJP veteran L K Advani, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, party chief Amit Shah, Health Minister J P Nadda, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, Vijay Goel and Congress president Rahul Gandhi were among those who paid a visit to the ailing leader yesterday.

The BJP, yesterday, said in a statement that Shah had a detailed discussion with the doctors about Vajpayee's treatment and also met the former prime minister's family members at the hospital.

The 93-year-old stalwart was the first ever person from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to have become the nation's prime minister.

Vajpayee served for two terms twice - briefly in 1996 and between1998 to 2004. Currently, he is the oldest living Prime Minister of India.

Vajpayee is also a well-renowned poet. His birthday, which falls on December 25, is celebrated as 'Good Governance Day' by the BJP.

In 2015, Vajpayee was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

(With inputs from PTI)

In a statement issued at 10.45 pm yesterday, the AIIMS said Vajpayee was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, undergoing treatment for urinary tract infection at the AIIMS here, is responding well and his vital parameters are stable, hospital officials said on Tuesday. Vajpayee was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Monday. In a statement, the AIIMS said, "His condition is stable. He is responding to treatment and is on injectable antibiotics. All his vital parameters are stable. He will continue to be in hospital till the infection is controlled". A team of doctors, under the supervision of AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, evaluated his condition sometime back, a source said. He continues to remain in the ICU of the cardio-thoracic centre of AIIMS, the source said. Yesterday, the hospital said Vajpayee, who has been ailing for long, was admitted for routine check-up and investigations. In a statement issued at 10.45 pm yesterday, the AIIMS said Vajpayee was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. A host of leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the BJP patriarch at the hospital yesterday. Modi met the doctors and enquired about the well-being of Vajpayee. He also met his family members, according to an official statement issued yesterday. BJP veteran L K Advani, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, party chief Amit Shah, Health Minister J P Nadda, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, Vijay Goel and Congress president Rahul Gandhi were among those who paid a visit to the ailing leader yesterday. The BJP, yesterday, said in a statement that Shah had a detailed discussion with the doctors about Vajpayee's treatment and also met the former prime minister's family members at the hospital. The 93-year-old stalwart was the first ever person from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to have become the nation's prime minister. Vajpayee served for two terms twice - briefly in 1996 and between1998 to 2004. Currently, he is the oldest living Prime Minister of India. Vajpayee is also a well-renowned poet. His birthday, which falls on December 25, is celebrated as 'Good Governance Day' by the BJP. In 2015, Vajpayee was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. (With inputs from PTI)

Ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition stable, responding well: AIIMS

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-become-slave-to-some-bjp-leaders-and-rss-says-rahul-gandhi--143700">India has become </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-become-slave-to-some-bjp-leaders-and-rss-says-rahul-gandhi--143700">slave</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-become-slave-to-some-bjp-leaders-and-rss-says-rahul-gandhi--143700"> to some BJP leaders and RSS, says Rahul Gandhi</a>

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that India has become a slave of 2-3 leaders of the ruling party and the RSS.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayees-health-is-stable-aiims-143693">Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's health is stable:AIIMS</a>

All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday informed that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition is stable.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-12-killed-31-wounded-in-kabul-suicide-bombing--143688">Afghanistan: 12 killed, 31 wounded in Kabul suicide bombing</a>

A suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded another 31 on Monday at the entrance to Afghanistan's rural rehabilitation and development ministry in the west of the capital, Afghan health officials confirmed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-shuts-ports-to-migrant-boat-asks-malta-to-open-its-doors-143680">Italy shuts ports to </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-shuts-ports-to-migrant-boat-asks-malta-to-open-its-doors-143680">migrant</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-shuts-ports-to-migrant-boat-asks-malta-to-open-its-doors-143680"> boat, asks Malta to open its doors</a>

Italy will refuse to let a humanitarian ship carrying more than 600 migrants dock at its ports and has asked the Mediterranean island of Malta to open its doors to the vessel, government officials said on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-north-korea-will-get-unique-security-guarantees-after-denuclearisation-143692">Mike Pompeo says North Korea will get 'unique' security guarantees after denuclearisation</a>

On the eve of the historic summit between the United States president Donald Trump and North Korea leader, Kim Jong-un secretary of state, Mike Pompeo said that the United States is willing to offer 'unique' security guarantee to North Korea after de-nuclearisation

&nbsp

India has become slave to some BJP leaders and RSS, says Rahul Gandhi Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that India has become a slave of 2-3 leaders of the ruling party and the RSS. Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's health is stable:AIIMS All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday informed that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition is stable. Afghanistan: 12 killed, 31 wounded in Kabul suicide bombing A suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded another 31 on Monday at the entrance to Afghanistan's rural rehabilitation and development ministry in the west of the capital, Afghan health officials confirmed. Italy shuts ports to migrant boat, asks Malta to open its doors Italy will refuse to let a humanitarian ship carrying more than 600 migrants dock at its ports and has asked the Mediterranean island of Malta to open its doors to the vessel, government officials said on Sunday. Mike Pompeo says North Korea will get 'unique' security guarantees after denuclearisation On the eve of the historic summit between the United States president Donald Trump and North Korea leader, Kim Jong-un secretary of state, Mike Pompeo said that the United States is willing to offer 'unique' security guarantee to North Korea after de-nuclearisation

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