STAFF REPORTER
Guwahati: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Assam Pradesh on Saturday observed the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee with a solemn tribute programme at Vajpayee Bhawan, the party’s state headquarters in Guwahati.
State BJP President Dilip Saikia, accompanied by senior leaders and party workers, led the floral tribute to Vajpayee’s portrait. Recalling the late leader’s towering contributions, Saikia described Vajpayee as an “eternal source of inspiration” whose eloquence, ideals, and vision would continue to guide generations.
“Atalji was not only the founding president of the BJP and the prime minister who laid the foundation of a New India but also a poet, journalist, and administrator whose entire life was dedicated to the service of the motherland,” Saikia said. He quoted Vajpayee’s famous words — “Chhote man se koi bada nahi hota, toote man se koi khada nahi hota” — emphasizing their timeless relevance.
Highlighting Vajpayee’s association with Assam and the Northeast, Saikia recalled his strong support for the Assam Agitation, where he raised the issue of illegal immigration in Parliament and personally visited South Kamrup during the peak of the movement. As Prime Minister, Vajpayee created the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to ensure 10% of the Union Budget was earmarked for the region and introduced the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) to guarantee uninterrupted funding for development.
“Because of his farsighted vision, Assam and the Northeast have advanced on the path of progress. His contributions, from the creation of DoNER to the signing of the 2003 Bodo Accord that paved the way for peace and the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council, will always be remembered,” Saikia said.
The BJP leaders expressed gratitude for Vajpayee’s special affection towards Assam, stating that his efforts gave the state and the region their rightful recognition. Today’s programme was attended by BJP Assam Pradesh’s Organizational General Secretary G.R. Ravindra Raju, Vice President Ratna Singh, and General Secretaries Rituparna Baruah and Anup Barman, along with senior leaders and karyakartas.
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