Chennai: “I feel very distressed. I feel as though a big mountain in India has fallen” - this was the spontaneous reaction of BJP state president Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan to the passing away of former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee.
The rank and file in the Tamil Nadu unit of BJP held him in high esteem and even affectionately hailed him as “Vazhum Mahatma” (living mahatma).
The cadres are yet to reconcile to the passing away of the stalwart who won people’s hearts. “As Prime Minister, he has proved that a non-Congress party combine could ensure better and clean administration.
He is hailed as ‘valarchi nayagan’ (hero of development) for his achievements.
Travel on the Golden Quadrilateral always reminds one of the towering personality Vajpayee. We affectionately hail him as Vazhum Mahatma. Now he has reached the Mahatma (Father of the nation),” she said.
Lives of lakhs of innocent Tamils would have been saved had he returned to power with absolute majority.
“Secondly, he had assured to link the rivers and even lay the foundation stone for it. Had this been made a reality, then Cauvery, Pallar, Mullaiperiyar disputes would not have arisen,” Dr Tamilisai said.
Recalling his victory in the Kargil war, and also his role in Pokhran II testing, Union Minister of State for Finance and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan, said Vaijapyee proved that India is a strong nation.
“I paid floral tribute to #Vajpayee ji at his Residence. Deeply pained that such a down to earth personality, lovable leader with great courage the country lost today,” Mr Radhakrishnan later tweeted.
