Bengaluru: With former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee admitted to AIIMS in New Delhi following health complications, his friend in the city recalls the good old times they spent with him.
Mr Narahari, 87, a former MLC told DC, “I know Mr Vajpayee since 1960, as we were part of the RSS and were active members. We became even closer when I was made president of Akhila Bharathiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangha several years ago and met him quite frequently.”
“Whenever he used to visit the city, he would come to our house in Srirampura and have lunch. We took care of him while he was lodged in Bengaluru central jail during the Emergency. My brother Late Gopinath used to handle all his communication needs when Vajpayee and another BJP stalwart, L.K. Advani were in jail. I remember policemen arriving in their vehicle to take away Vajpayee and Advani. But my brother spoke to the policemen and took them in a car. Gopinath also helped them in communicating with the jail officials and this made them feel comfortable with our family members which also helped us bond together,” added Mr Narahari.
Asked him when was the last time he met Mr Vajpayee, Mr Narahari said, “I do not remember, but we were in touch over phone. But after he took ill, we were not allowed to visit him. He was highly disciplined and had immense knowledge about the happenings in the world and in our country. At the same time, he was generous and compassionate,” he recalled.
