Atal Bihari Vajpayee dies: LK Advani pays heartfelt tribute to his "closest friend"

Advani, who along with Vajpayee expanded the party's base in 1990s, said: 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, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee."

Former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee (L) with Lal Krishna Advani. Photo: AFP

NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India's most charismatic leaders who led the nation through several crises and held together a tenuous coalition with his inclusive politics, died at AIIMS on Thursday. He was 93. Senior BJP leader and former deputy prime minister LK Advani condoled the demise of Vajpayee, saying more than a senior colleague, he was his closest friend to 65 years. Advani, who along with Vajpayee expanded the party's base in 1990s, said: 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, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee." "To me, Atalji was more than a senior colleague- in fact, he was my closest friend for over 65 years, Advani said." Here's how Advani remembered Vajpayee on his demise "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, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. To me, Atalji was more than a senior colleague- in fact, he was my closest friend for over 65 years. I cherish the memories of my long association with him, right from our days as Pracharaks of the RSS, to the inception of Bharatiya Jana Singh, the struggle of the dark months during the Emergency leading to the formation of Janata Party and later the emergence of the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980. 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. His captivating leadership qualities, mesmerising oratory, soaring patriotism and above all, his sterling humane qualities like compassion, humility and his remarkable ability to win over adversaries despite ideological differences have all had a profound effect on me in all my years in public life. I will miss Atalji immensely."