Atal Bihari Vajpayee cremation, Updates: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s mortal remains were today consigned to the flames at the Smriti Sthal along the Yamuna river in Delhi. Thousands of people including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah stood witness as the nation bid adieu to Vajpayee. He was cremated with full state honours. The last rites were performed by his daughter Namita Bhattacharya. President Ram Nath Kovind, Union Ministers, several BJP leaders, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh were among the thousands of people at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the BJP patriarch’s final resting place. Several foreign dignitaries, including the king of Bhutan and the Bangladesh’s foreign minister, were also present.
Vajpayee first became Prime Minister in 1996, but his government lasted for just 13 days. His second stint as PM was in 1998 when the BJP-led NDA again came to power but that lasted for just 13 months. Finally, the NDA with Vajpayee as PM returned to power in 1999 and was voted out in 2004.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee final journey. Highlights
अटल की अंतिम यात्रा LIVE Updates
The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee were today consigned to the flames at Smriti Sthal along Yamuna river with full state honour. The last rites were performed by his daughter Namita Bhattacharya.
BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha today said that he felt like an "orphan" after hearing the death news of former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee, under whose guardianship he had learnt the "art of good politics". Describing Vajpayee as a "father-figure", he said, "As this most revered & respected institution leaves us, a real Father figure has gone. I feel orphaned in the true sense...We shall always remember you & miss your guidance on the correct path of life. I humbly offer my prayers & heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones."
Senior BJP leader LK Advani and BJP president Amit Shah pay last respects to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Smriti Sthal.
Leaders of SAARC nations are at the Smriti Sthal to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Afghanistan gormerpresident Hamid Karzai, Bangladesh Foregin Minister, Nepal Foreign Minister among others arrived earlier today.
Pakistan government headed by country's Law Minister arrives in Delhi to pay homage to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "We are here to share your grief and pay our condolences on the behalf of people of Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan," Pakistan Law Minister Ali Zafar said.
Poet, politician, visionary, he left his mark on India’s history. His name remains linked to the Indo-French friendship, which he shaped by launching the strategic partnership that has united our two countries since 1998: France statement
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has extended his condolences over the sad demise of India's former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said the country has lost an "eminent national leader". "I feel privileged to have known him and am honoured to have counted him as a friend," the Dalai Lama said in a letter he wrote to the poet-politician's foster daughter Namita Bhattacharya.
The funeral procession of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has reached the Smriti Sthal where he will be cremated with full state honour.
Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai has arrived here. He will be attendinfg the funeral of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The route from BJP office to Smriti Sthal is covered by people all around. Everyone looking to have a glimpse of their beloved Atal ji.
Visuals of people gathered during the funeral procession of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Smriti Sthal.
Mortal remains of former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee being taken from BJP Headquarters to Smriti Sthal for the funeral
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister have condoled the death of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The leaders said that Vajpayee had played a vital role in ensuring stability of the island nation. Sirisena said: "Today, we have lost a great humanist and a true friend of Sri Lanka. Former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a visionary leader and an ardent defender of democracy. My condolences to his family and millions of his admirers around the world."
Tricolour is flying at half mast on the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Home Ministry as nation mourns former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's demise.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has paid an emotional tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In a tweet, Khan remembered how his father used to take him for every speech Vajpayee made in Delhi.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be remembered by people of Dhaka for his immense contribution to the Liberation War. "We remember him for his contribution to Bangladesh Liberation War and strong support to people of Bangladesh. He had great liking for Bengali music. I had the privilege of serving in Delhi as career diplomat when he became Foreign Minister," he told ANI. Ali arrived in Delhi early this morning. He will be attending the funeral of Vajpayee later today
Moral remains of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who passed away last evening, is moving towards the Smriti Sthan where he will cremated. According to tv reports, Vajpayee's mortal remains will be consigned to the flames at 4:30 pm. PM Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah are walking behind the procession of Vajpayee.
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's funeral procession leave from BJP office. The mortal remains of the BJP leader will consigned to the flames at 4:30 pm.
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to visit 'Thaggu ke Laddu' a sweet shop in Kanpur whenever he was in the town. Owner says, 'whenever BJP leaders in Kanpur used to go to meet him they would get laddoos packed for him. He loved food.', according to ANI report.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has paid homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence in Delhi this morning.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba has paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence in Delhi.