Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains kept at his residence for last respect; funeral at 4 pm tomorrow

NEW DELHI: Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee died at the age of 93 on Thursday. He was put on life support system on Wednesday after his health condition deteriorated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and several other party leaders reached AIIMS earlier on Thursday. The 93-year-old was admitted to AIIMS due to a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion. 

Updates:

## Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Ghulam Nabi Azad pay tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence in Delhi.

Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Ghulam Nabi Azad pay tribute to former Prime Minister #AtalBihariVajpayee at his residence in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/ni1MRfEFmL

— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray pays tribute to former Prime Minister #AtalBihariVajpayee at his residence in Delhi.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray pays tribute to former Prime Minister #AtalBihariVajpayee at his residence in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/WROK1xtOHQ — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Lights of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station (CMST) were turned off on Thursday as a mark of respect to the departed soul of former PM. 

## Pakistan's PM-designate Imran Khan said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a tall political personality of the subcontinent. "His attempts for the betterment of India-Pakistan relationship will always be remembered. Mr Vajpayee, as a foreign minister, took responsibility of improving India-Pakistan ties." Khan added.

## I'm deeply saddened by the passing away of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Vajpayee was a towering figure in our national life. Throughout his life, he stood for democratic values and demonstrated this commitment in all his acts whether as a parliamentarian, a cabinet minister or PM, says Sonia Gandhi.

## 

#WATCH: PM Narendra Modi speaks on the demise of former Prime Minister #AtalBihariVajpayee, says,"India has lost its 'anmol ratna'." pic.twitter.com/yPOMB9spOU — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## We are all deeply grieved by the sad demise of Vajpayee ji. He was one of the tallest leaders of India. He was loved by the entire nation. May his soul rest in peace, says Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

## 

Delhi: Mortal remains of former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee wrapped in the tricolour. pic.twitter.com/leAx1Mmo55 — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## It is because of Atal ji that the BJP has reached such stature. He always gave inspiration to us. In this hour of grief, I pay homage to the former prime minister, says PM Modi.

## Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls Atal Bihari Vajpayee a real son of mother India. His death is an end of an era. His demise is like the loss of a fatherly figure. He taught me about politics and governance. He always met me like a father.

## West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrives at the residence of Atal Bihari Vajpayee to pay last respect to the former prime minister

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee arrives at former Prime Minister #AtalBihariVajpayee's residence, where his mortal remains are kept. pic.twitter.com/ngVvygwBMw — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## From 7.30 am to 8.30 am, his mortal remains will be kept for last respect at his residence. At 9 am, his mortal remains will be taken to BJP headquarters. The final journey will begin at 1 pm and the last rites will be held at 4 pm: Amit Shah

## Not just BJP but whole Parliament believed in what Atal Bihari Vajpayee said. It is an unparalleled loss for the BJP, says Amit Shah.

## The BJP has lost its first president, and the youth has lost an inspiration, says Amit Shah.

## BJP president Amit Shah addresses mediapersons, says the country has lost one "ajatshatru rajneta".

## The mortal remains of Atal Bihari Vajpayee were taken to his residence from All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), as reported by ANI.

Delhi: Convoy with the mortal remains of #AtalBihariVajpayee leaves from AIIMS (All India Institutes of Medical Sciences). The mortal remains are being taken to his residence. pic.twitter.com/jmF7nN2Jb1 — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Jharkhand government has declared a seven-day mourning in memory of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The state government has also declared a state holiday on Friday.

## All Punjab offices/boards/corporation and educational institutions of the state will remain closed on Friday as a mark of respect to Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

## All schools and colleges in Delhi to remain closed on Friday as mark of respect to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

## I am at a loss of words to express my deep grief and sadness today as we all mourn the passing away of one of India’s tallest statesmen, #AtalBihariVajpayee. To me, Atalji was more than a senior colleague- in fact he was my closest friend for over 65 years, says LK Advani.

## He worked in the national interest rather than personal interest, he brought a political stability to our country. His ashes will be spread in every river in UP to respect his grand stature, says CM Yogi Adityanath.

## He may be not with us physically but his vision will always be with us, losing a person whom we always looked up to is a personal loss for all of us and I am sure we will always take inspiration from his ideology, says Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

## 

Delhi: Preparations underway at the residence of former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee, where his mortal remains will be brought shortly. pic.twitter.com/kWn00X9Dpt — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## The central government has declared 7-day national mourning.

## The mortal remains of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be kept at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on Friday for last tributes.

## Never expected end will come so soon. He was a true Indian. He never hesitated to speak from his heart. He was the tallest leader in India post independence. Vajpayee ji is 'ajatshatru' of modern times because he always maintained dignity and decorum, says Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

## I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vaajpayee ji.  An excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional public servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian and a great Prime Minister, says former PM Manmohan Singh.

## It is a big loss for the country, he was a very simple man inspite of being such a senior leader. There was not even a shred of arrogance in him. Current leaders need to learn a lot from him, says Mulayam Singh Yadav.

## Congress president Rahul Gandhi remembered Atal Bihari Vajpayee as "a great son" of India, who was loved by millions.

Today India lost a great son. Former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family & all his admirers. We will miss him. #AtalBihariVajpayee — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 16, 2018

## Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the demise of Atal Bihari Vajpayee saying he was speechless, and that it was the end of an era.

मैं नि:शब्द हूं, शून्य में हूं, लेकिन भावनाओं का ज्वार उमड़ रहा है।

हम सभी के श्रद्धेय अटल जी हमारे बीच नहीं रहे। अपने जीवन का प्रत्येक पल उन्होंने राष्ट्र को समर्पित कर दिया था। उनका जाना, एक युग का अंत है। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018

## Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee dies after prolonged illness at the age of 93. He breathed his last at 5.05 pm on Thursday.

## 

BJP workers offer prayers for #AtalBihariVaajpayee at a temple in Lucknow. pic.twitter.com/Rx0KJQnKeh — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 16, 2018

## Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives at AIIMS

Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) where former PM #AtalBihariVaajpayee is admitted. He is on life support system. pic.twitter.com/S15NBd1vhJ — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Chhattisgarh and the entire nation is praying for him (Atal Bihari Vajpayee). We pray to the God to make him healthy soon & bless him with a long life, says Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh.

## Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and Nand Kishore Yadav arrive at AIIMS.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Deputy CM Sushil Modi and Bihar Minister Nand Kishore Yadav arrive at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) where former PM #AtalBihariVaajpayee is admitted. He is on life support system. pic.twitter.com/vzmM8DGBi0 — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Social activist Kailash Satyarthi arrives at AIIMS to inquire about health condition of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Delhi: Social activist Kailash Satyarthi arrives at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) where former PM #AtalBihariVaajpayee is admitted. He is on life support system. pic.twitter.com/IBDUGMs4OI — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrives at AIIMS. Earlier in the day, he had raised concerns about Vajpayee's health and said: "Vajpayeeji is in the hospital and we pray for him." 

Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrives at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) where former PM #AtalBihariVaajpayee is admitted. He is on life support system. pic.twitter.com/fP7Gq9Hdrv — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Members of the Beriwal family where former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to put up during his visits to Kolkata, are praying for his speedy recovery. "Whenever he had a programme in Bihar, Odisha, he used to go via Kolkata and would come to our house", Ghanshyam Beriwal said. "He was a non-vegetarian and connoisseur of good food. But in our house, non-vegetarian food is not cooked. So, he used to eat all kinds of food. On some occasions, Vajpayee-ji even used to have phuchka (golgappa) sitting in our balcony," he recalls. "Vajpayee-ji also used to watch films in our house. Once we had watched the film Umrao Jaan. He is a nice human being," he added. The Beriwals said they were pleasantly surprised by Vajpayee's unannounced visits on several occasions. 

## PM Modi has left AIIMS. There is heavy security deployment from the hospital to the former PM's residence at Krishna Menon Marg in Delhi. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the former PM's condition continues to be critical.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves from AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) where former PM #AtalBihariVaajpayee is admitted. He is on life support system. pic.twitter.com/q833ORbHpX — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has left for Delhi to inquire about Vajpayee's health. "Vajpayeeji is very very unwell. I am flying to Delhi. You may remember that I served as cabinet minister in his government for two years. To hear about his health, is very distressing," Patnaik said before leaving for Delhi. "Vajpayee is a great leader and it was always a very good experience to have worked under him," he said. Patnaik had served as union minister for steel and mines in the Vajpayee government from March 1998 to March 2000 till he assumed the office of Odisha chief minister.

## Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has rushed to Delhi. Before his departure, Nitish said Kumar called the nonagenarian "a guardian...Whose affection and guidance I have always received and from whom I have learnt the finer points of public life. I pray for his early recovery." Nitish served as a cabinet minister in Vajpayee's government. Nitish had visited AIIMS in June this year as well to enquire about the former PM's health. 

## Mamata Banerjee will be flying to Delhi today to visit the ailing former PM. "I have cancelled my work to visit Atal Bihari Vajpayee today. I got chance to work with him. He is a statesman-like figure. We supported him when his government was falling. His pattern of work was different and not like present politics," she said.

## PM Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah have reached AIIMS. The Delhi Police has beefed up the security at the hopspital. Enclosures for media and VIPs are being prepared at the hospital. As per sources, all BJP events for the day have been cancelled.

# Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with his Deputy Manish Sisodia also visited AIIMS to meet the ailing former PM. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal had tweeted his prayers for Vajpayee's recovery. "Sad to hear about Atalji’s health. I pray to God for his fast recovery," he had tweeted.

Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia arrive at All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister #AtalBihariVaajpayee is admitted. pic.twitter.com/7clp2dTuqI — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## People from all age groups and across all sections of the society are praying for the health of the former PM. 

#WATCH Prayers underway for #AtalBihariVaajpayee in ND Convent Public School in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/F5Y0BZsAsf — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 16, 2018

## Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan prayed for the speedy recovery of the BJP stalwart. "Saddened to hear about the critical health condition of Atal Bihari Vaajpayee ji. Praying for his speedy recovery," Naidu said. Recalling Vajpayee as an idol, Chouhan said: "He is our idol. With just his presence we got inspiration and encouragement, we pray for his health, no one can ever be like Atal Ji, campaigning for him was an honour for me."

## Police have been deployed to manage the crowd and traffic outside AIIMS. A large crowd of mediapersons and others have gathered outside the hospital to get updates on Vajpayee's heath, affecting the movement of traffic on the road. 

## There is no improvement in the health condition of the former PM. The latest AIIMS bulletin says that he continues to be critical and is still on life support.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition continues to remain the same. He is critical and on life support systems: AIIMS statement pic.twitter.com/OJKHHcTDSn — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Senior BJP leader LK Advani visited AIIMS along with his daughter Pratibha Advani. Advani has been a long-time aide of the former PM. 

Senior BJP leader LK Advani and daughter Pratibha Advani arrive at All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system pic.twitter.com/QgeG9isWDg — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also visited AIIMS to check on Vajpayee's health. Singh has often praised Vajpayee's contribution for the country and for his parliamentary constituency Lucknow. "No one can deny the fact that the ‘vikaas ki Ganga’ in Lucknow was initiated by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and was further taken up by former MP Lalji Tandon. Shaheed Path in Lucknow was started by Atalji when he was the prime minister and I was the Union surface transport minister," Singh had recently said.

#Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrives at All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system pic.twitter.com/X4YOLvwInm — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## UP Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma gets emotional on the news of the ill health of the former PM. "The news of his ill health has saddened me. He has always been an inspiration and a guide to me," the UP Deputy CM said on Thursday.

## People across the country are praying for the health of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Gwalior: Students of Government Ayurvedic College pray for health of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who is admitted at AIIMS and is in critical condition. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/TImYv5QFLe — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be visiting AIIMS to meet the former Prime Minister. ## West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be travelling to Delhi later in the day today to meet the ailing BJP patriarch. Banerjee, who served as a minister in Vajpayee's cabinet.

## BJP President Amit Shah visited AIIMS on Thursday morning.

BJP President Amit Shah arrives at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/CbjIqyHruD — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018

## Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will be visiting AIIMS today. His aide Ashutosh, who resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday tweeted praises about the former PM. "Despite all the ideological differences, i always respected Atal ji. He is a true statesman, large hearted who believes in democratic exchange of ideas, rooted deeply in Indian-ness," Ashutosh tweeted.