Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a name permanently engraved in the hearts of every Indian, stands out as the most beloved politician of all time. As a Bharat Ratna awardee, he exemplified leadership by prioritising the nation above politics and himself. Often hailed as a 'true leader, true patriot, and statesman,' Vajpayee's impeccable political career serves as an inspiration for today's leaders.
During the 1930s, K. B. Hedgewar's Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was in its early stages, assimilating various influences—from Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the Hindu Mahasabha to, notably, V. D. Savarkar. Vajpayee also became a part of the organisation. Under M. S. Gowalkar, Hedgewar's successor, the RSS strategically decided to distance itself from the larger independence movement. But then Atal chose to stand out and plant roots of his political journey in 1942, when he actively participated in the Quit India Movement at just 16 years old.
"I dream of an India that is prosperous, strong and caring. An India that regains a place of honour in the comity of great nations.”
Soon, Bharatiya Jana Sangh was formed in 1951, a right-wing nationalist political party with Atal Bihari Vajpayee as one of its founders. In 1977, it transformed into the "Bharatiya Janata Party" (BJP). In between this time period, he achieved his first electoral victory in 1957 from Balrampur. He also remained as the President of BJS from 1968-1972, following the demise of Deendayal Upadhyaya. In 1977, Atal was appointed as the Minister of external affairs.
Vajpayee's remarkable oratory skills in the Lok Sabha left a profound impression on Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru even went on record predicting that Vajpayee would eventually rise to the position of Prime Minister of India – a prediction that came true.
During his remarkable political career, Atal Bihari Vajpayee held the position of Prime Minister three times—first for a brief period of 13 days in 1996, then for 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and finally serving a full term from 1999 to 2004. His influence extended beyond party lines, earning him respect and affection from both his party members and the opposition. After dedicating five decades of his life to politics, Vajpayee retired in 2005.
Glimpse of India under Atal -
The foundation of India, which we today see growing, was laid during Atal’s leadership. From strengthening the country's infrastructure to initiating steps towards the Goods and Services Tax (GST), endorsing the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, and liberalising the insurance sector—his contributions were multifaceted and impactful.
During Atal's tenure, there was not only strong collaboration with politicians, but the affinity between the RBI and the finance ministry was also robust. Despite challenging incidents like the Kargil war, the Parliament attack in 2001, and the 2002 Gujarat riots, his leadership steered the country through those tough times.
Among the other crucial projects initiated by Atal were the National Highways Development Project and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. His administration remained focused on improving the quality of education in primary and secondary schools for which in 2001, the Vajpayee administration launched the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan campaign.
“Governments come and governments go. Parties appear and disappear. But this country should remain and its democracy should remain eternally.”
Atal Bihari Vajpayee's political sagacity shone through during a crucial juncture in India's economic history. While serving as a prominent opposition figure, he played a significant role behind the scenes in supporting the liberalisation reforms initiated by the P.V. Narasimha Rao government. This strategic move demonstrated Vajpayee's foresight and commitment to the national interest, contributing to the transformative economic changes that shaped India's trajectory towards liberalisation and globalisation.
Under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India conducted the historic Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, marking a pivotal moment in the country's strategic capabilities. Besides this, under his leadership, India thrived in maintaining global peace and played a significant role in shaping the country's foreign policy.
Recognizing his exceptional contributions, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was honored with the title of India's "Best Parliamentarian" in 1994. The citation accompanying this prestigious award highlighted his versatile persona, describing him as an eminent national leader, erudite politician, selfless social worker, forceful orator, poet, litterateur, and journalist. The citation emphasized Atal ji's ability to articulate the aspirations of the masses and his unwavering commitment to nationalism, making him a multifaceted personality and a true representative of the people.Vajpayee was also conferred with Padma Vibhushan in 1992 and with Bharat Ratna in 2015.
This year marks the 99th Birth Anniversary of Atal. In the annals of India's political history, Vajpayee stands as an enduring icon, a statesman revered across party lines, who left an indelible mark on the nation's trajectory. To mark Atal’s contribution to Indian Democracy and politics, every year the country celebrates “Good Governance Day” on December 25.
Despite facing challenges and internal struggles, Vajpayee's political journey encapsulates a saga of resilience, strategic acumen, and a commitment to the nation's progress.
The impact of his leadership extends beyond partisan lines. The legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee remains etched in India's political consciousness, a testament to his statesmanship and unwavering dedication to the nation's welfare.
Follow us
