BJP, Congress offer floral tributes to the colossus leader

Our Correspondent

Silchar: Minister of Fisheries, Excise, Environment and Forests Parimal Suklabaidya, MLAs Dilip Kumar Paul and Kishor Nath, BJP president Kaushik Rai and Dipayan Chakr-aborty and others deeply mourned the sad demise of such a stalwart and efficient politician.

Dr Rajdeep Roy, BJP spokesperson Assam Pradesh, said, "He was a personality par excellence. He was charismatic and had unparalleled fan following. His excellent oratory skills made him a people's Prime Minister as they could relate to his words. His idea of India was unique. Vajpayeeji visited Barak Valley a number of times. My family had hosted him on two occasions."

Dr Roy further said that the former Prime Minister came here in 2001 to campaign for his father, late Bimalangshu Roy's second time MLA elections. "It was probably his last visit to Barak Valley. Despite health issues, he had the time to meet all. He has left an unmatched legacy. I doubt if anybody can match his persona. Building an anti Congress platform was a daunting task in then times. One of the biggest achievements in his life was to captain or lead a team of 23 political parties for 5 long years without a blemish or slur in his career. He was a widely accepted man," he added to say.

Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee's sudden demise was condoled by Silchar District Congress Committee. Congress spokesman Partha Ranjan Chakraborty said that his death has ended an era in Indian politics. A condolence meeting was organized by block Congress at Rajiv Bhawan in Pailapool at 9 am on Friday. Assam government has also declared state holiday today as a mark of respect to the great man.

A person like him comes once in a century. It is a colossal loss to the nation. He was a leader with no enemies. He was the hero of Pokhran, a man behind the famous slogan, 'Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan'. Political lines have been blurred as condolence messages are still pouring in. The streets of this town wore a deserted look as almost all the shops, malls and shopping complexes remained shuttered. Various clubs, NGOs, organizations and associations like Drugs Corner Auto Association paid their rich tributes.