By Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, describing him as a statesman who placed the nation above political interests and power. Speaking at events marking Vajpayee’s eighth death anniversary, Adityanath said the former prime minister gave Indian politics a distinct emphasis on integrity, selfless public service and the principle of “Nation First”.
At a tribute programme and literary evening at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre in Lucknow, the chief minister highlighted Vajpayee’s long association with Uttar Pradesh. He noted that Vajpayee entered Parliament from Balrampur in 1957 and later represented Lucknow five times, making the former prime minister’s connection with the state particularly significant.
Yogi recalls Vajpayee’s political legacy
Adityanath said Vajpayee earned respect across political parties because of his conduct and commitment to the country. He described him as humble and simple in his personal behaviour but firm in matters concerning India’s interests.
The chief minister also paid floral tribute at Vajpayee’s statue at Lok Bhavan and released a booklet based on the former prime minister’s thoughts.
Recalling the 1999 Kargil War, Adityanath spoke about Vajpayee’s approach to national security and said his resolve was visible during the conflict. He also recalled how Vajpayee maintained India’s position despite international pressure to engage with Pakistan.
Lucknow and Balrampur continue to honour his legacy
Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh has continued to preserve Vajpayee’s legacy through several major institutions and projects. Lucknow’s first medical university has been named after the former prime minister, while a medical college is being developed in Balrampur, his first parliamentary constituency.
A memorial and museum have also been established at Bateshwar in Agra, which the chief minister described as another effort to preserve Vajpayee’s connection with the state.
The chief minister also recalled Vajpayee’s conduct during major national events. He said that despite being in the Opposition during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Vajpayee supported India’s national interest. Similarly, during the economic crisis of the 1990s, he was willing to represent India’s position internationally despite being the Leader of the Opposition.
Yogi invokes Vajpayee while targeting Opposition
Adityanath also used the occasion to criticise the Congress, contrasting Vajpayee’s approach to national issues with what he described as current Opposition politics. Referring to remarks surrounding Operation Sindoor and criticism of the armed forces, he questioned whether the Congress still maintained the same commitment to national interests.
He described Vajpayee’s nearly six-decade public life as largely free of controversy and said his political legacy demonstrated that ideological differences need not come before the interests of the country.
The tribute programmes were attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, ministers, MPs, Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, poet Ashok Chakradhar, singer Malini Awasthi and other public representatives and dignitaries.
