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In the realm of Indian politics, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a revered thinker with a pure heart. Even opposition leaders respected him. He embodied the spirit of an Avdhoot saint in the politics, belonging to Kabir’s tradition. Known for his compassion and deep commitment to public welfare, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an undisputed political leader admired across all sections of Indian society. On the occasion of his birth centenary, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for allowing me to present my views on his extraordinary life.
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, into a Kanyakubj Brahmin family in Bateshwar, near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. His parents were Smt. Krishna Devi and Shri Krishna Bihari Vajpayee, a school teacher in Gwalior. Atal Ji’s eloquence was remarkable—people would travel miles just to hear him speak. As a student, he once arrived late to a debate competition at Prayagraj University. Although the event was nearly over, he requested a chance to speak. The organizers obliged, and he went on to win the award for best speaker, thanks to his powerful oratory and clear expression. That was our Atal Ji.
Even Pandit Nehru appreciated his speeches in Parliament and once remarked that Atal Bihari would become a great diplomat someday. Atal Ji’s speech at the United Nations in 1977, as Foreign Minister of the Janata Party government, remains a shining example of Indian heritage and Hindi language on the global stage.
Very few politicians are able to embody the ideal of “Jyon ki tyon dhar dini chadariya” (returning the cloth as it was received)—a life of integrity and selflessness. Atal Ji’s journey in Indian politics was nothing short of extraordinary—exemplary, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable. He brought a rare combination of literary depth and journalistic insight to politics, which helped him connect deeply with the common people’s struggles.
His village, Bateshwar, once known for dacoits, is now revered as a pilgrimage site for BJP leaders. The Modi government should declare his birthplace a national monument.
In the 1990s, Atal Ji led a coalition government of 24 parties with 81 ministers. He taught Indian politics the importance of patience, morality, and coalition dharma. During this time, he skillfully navigated complex alliances with leaders like Ms. Jayalalithaa, Ms. Mamata Banerjee, and Ms. Mayawati—setting a timeless example of coalition governance.
In 1999, his government fell by just one vote. In Parliament, a disappointed Atal Ji remarked, “Our time will come.” I believe today is that very time. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the BJP government is doing all round progress of the country in all sectors and it is no doubt a golden era for Indian democracy.
After the Narasimha Rao government, the BJP gradually rose in prominence during the late 1990s. At that time, when the Bharatiya Janata Party was close to forming the government and was looking for a majority, Sharad Pawar had mocked Atal Ji by saying that Atal Ji never got married and now when he (Prime Minister) is going to become the groom, he lacks the baraatis i.e. the majority. Despite facing sarcasm and taunts, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji never deviated from his path. Through persistent effort and dedication, he not only provided a new direction to the BJP but also to the entire nation by successfully forming the government. It is due to his spirit of selfless service that the BJP is now becoming the guiding force of the country.
Although Vajpayee ji served as the Prime Minister for six years, his tenure was marked by several key decisions that gave a new dimension to India’s economic growth and development.
On the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tribute and said that “Vajpayee dedicated his life to building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India. Many of the policies implemented during his tenure continue to benefit the country even today.”
Here are five major decisions taken during the Vajpayee government that transformed the Indian economy and made it multidimensional.
Key Reforms of the Vajpayee Era
Golden Quadrilateral Project
This was India’s largest highway infrastructure project, connecting major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Spanning 5,846 km with four and six-lane highways, it boosted industrial, agricultural, and economic connectivity. Cities like Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Vizag also benefited, providing momentum to economic growth.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
In 2000, Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to connect previously unconnected villages across India. The primary objective of the scheme was to provide all-weather road connectivity to villages with a population of 500 or more. This initiative aimed to improve rural transportation and foster development by linking remote, roadless villages to broader road networks.
River Linking Project
Shri Vajpayee envisioned a river linking project to address water scarcity in drought-prone areas, reduce the impacts of floods and droughts, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote hydropower generation. The idea was to interlink water-surplus rivers with water-deficit ones to create a more balanced distribution of water resources and support sustainable development.
On Vajpayee ji’s 100th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of India’s first river linking initiative—the Ken-Betwa National Project—in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. With an investment of 44,600 crore, this landmark project became a tribute to Vajpayee ji in the heart of Madhya Pradesh.
Pokhran Nuclear Tests
Under the dynamic leadership of Atalji, India conducted five nuclear tests at Pokhran, Rajasthan, on May 11 and 13, 1998. The tests included a thermonuclear device (hydrogen bomb) of 45 kilotons and a fission device (atomic bomb) of 15 kilotons. As a result, India was formally recognized as a nuclear power state. Despite facing international sanctions following the tests, India stood firm in asserting its strategic autonomy.
These tests were a pivotal moment in India’s defence and scientific history, The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government demonstrated India’s nuclear power through these tests and instilled a sense of pride in the country.
Beyond economic reforms, Atal Ji’s diplomatic initiatives were equally visionary. His historic bus journey to Lahore symbolized a poetic and peaceful approach to diplomacy.
Lotus represents BJP’s commitment to public service with a spirit of detachment, free from personal gain or attachment. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who remained unmarried and led a life of simplicity and service, embodied this philosophy throughout his life. He infused the BJP with a spirit of selfless politics, emphasizing dedication to the people above all else—a legacy that continues to inspire the party and the nation.
(The writer is the MP, Lok Sabha and former Cabinet Minister, Chhattisgarh)