From PM Modi to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, all major leaders expressed their grief at Vajpayee’s demise and called him a great leader.
President Ram Nath Kovind in his tweet called Vajpayee a “gentle giant” who will be missed by all.
Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former Prime Minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity and eloquence put him in a league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one and all #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 16, 2018
PM Modi termed Vajpayee’s death “a personal and irreplaceable loss” and “the end of an era”.
Atal Ji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018
India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal Ji.
His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018
Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted that “India lost a great son”.
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
Former President Pranab Mukherjee called Vajpayee “a democrat to the core”.
Deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A reasoned critique in opposition and a seeker of consensus as PM, Atal Ji was a democrat to the core. In his passing away, India has lost a great son and an era has come to an end. My deepest condolences.
— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 16, 2018
BJP president Amit Shah tweeted that Vajpayee was loved by people from all political classes.
“Atalji emerged as a popular national leader who believed that power is a means of service and led a spotless political life without compromising on national interest. And that’s why the people across political and social boundaries showered him with love and respect,” Shah said.
Veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani called Vajpayee a “pioneer”.
“Atalji will be remembered as the pioneer of the first ever stable non-Congress coalition government at the Centre and I had the privilege of working as his deputy for six years. As my senior, he always encouraged and guided me in every possible manner,” he said.
Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu tweeted that he joined politics because of Vajpayee.
My association and bonding with Vajpayee has been deeply enriching and transformative. I joined politics because of Shri Vajpayee’s speeches that I heard while I was in ABVP. I used to be such a fan of his from my college days. #AtalBihariVajpayee pic.twitter.com/uau4cp9aYZ
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 16, 2018
Former PM Manmohan Singh called Vajpayee one of “the tallest leaders of modern India”.
“I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. An excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional Public Servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian and a great Prime Minister, Shri Vajpayee ji stood among the tallest leaders of modern India, who spent his whole life serving our great country. His services to our nation will be remembered for a long time to come,” Singh said.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee termed Vajpayee’s death a “big loss to our nation”.
Very very saddened that the great statesman and former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji is no more with us. His passing away is a very big loss to our nation. I will always cherish the many fond memories. Condolences to his family and his many admirers
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 16, 2018
Actor and BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha called Vajpayee a “father figure”.
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 condolenses to the family & loved ones.
— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) August 16, 2018
With inputs from PTI and Twitter.