Guwahati, 16 August (HS): The Assam Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a solemn tribute programme at its state headquarters on Sunday to commemorate the death anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Assam BJP President and Darrang-Udalguri Lok Sabha MP Dilip Saikia paid floral tribute to Vajpayee's portrait and recalled his contributions to the nation. Saikia said Vajpayee was not merely a political leader but a multifaceted personality who distinguished himself as a poet, litterateur and journalist.

Saikia said Vajpayee, one of the founding architects and guiding lights of the BJP, devoted his entire life to the service of the nation. He was particularly attentive to the concerns of Assam and the North-Eastern region. During the Assam Movement, Vajpayee had visited Assam, expressed support for its participants and raised issues related to the movement in Parliament.

Highlighting Vajpayee's contribution to the development of the North-East and the welfare of indigenous communities, Saikia recalled the establishment of a separate

Department of Tribal Affairs during his tenure and the creation of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to provide focused impetus to the region's development.

Saikia also highlighted Vajpayee's role in laying the foundation for major infrastructure initiatives, including the Golden Quadrilateral project. He recalled initiatives such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the National Rural Health Mission as examples of Vajpayee's vision for national development and public welfare.

“Vajpayee remains a source of inspiration and an enduring ideal for crores of Indians,” Saikia said, adding that his ideals, visionary outlook, patriotism and commitment to public service would continue to inspire generations.

The programme concluded with party functionaries paying their respects and raising slogans including “Atal Bihari Vajpayee Amar Rahe”, “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.

The information was shared with the media in a press statement issued by Assam BJP spokesperson Pranjal Kalita from the party's state headquarters.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash