Atal Bihari Vajpayee Was the Pioneer of Coalition Politics, Patience His Greatest Strength: Deepak Gaba

New Delhi | Arun Sharma

The enduring legacy of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee—statesman, poet and three-time Prime Minister—was commemorated at the Atal Smriti Sammelan organised by the BJP’s Shahdara district unit at Atal Bhawan, Vigyan Lok. Held during Vajpayee’s birth centenary year, the programme reflected on his contributions to Indian democracy, governance and national development.


Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Dr Anil Gupta, BJP Shahdara district in-charge, said Vajpayee stood apart in Indian politics for his civility, dialogue-driven approach and unwavering commitment to national interest. “As Prime Minister, he gave India a new global identity—strengthening national security through the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests and accelerating growth through landmark infrastructure initiatives,” he said, citing the Golden Quadrilateral and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana as transformative milestones.


Dr Gupta also recalled Vajpayee’s balanced and courageous foreign policy, highlighting the Lahore Bus Yatra as a symbol of his belief in peace through dialogue, even amid differences. “He upheld democratic values and human sensitivities at all times,” he added.


Deepak Gaba, BJP Shahdara district president, described Vajpayee as the architect of coalition politics and said patience was the defining strength of his public life. “Vajpayee ji embodied the principle of ‘Nation First, Politics Later’. A sensitive poet, a powerful orator and a dedicated organisation man, his words continue to inspire millions—especially the youth,” Gaba said.


He noted that Vajpayee spent 49 years in the Opposition before becoming Prime Minister, calling it a lesson in perseverance and public service. Drawing a link to the present, Gaba said Vajpayee’s vision found fulfilment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. “With collective effort, India will be a developed nation by 2047 and emerge as a global leader,” he said.


The event was attended by Advocate Bharat Gaur (district spokesperson), former mayor Yogdhyan Ahuja, former district presidents Nirmal Jain and Kanwar Sen, mandal presidents Pawan Verma, Sachin Sharma, Vaibhav Mehra, Kamal Varshney, and hundreds of party workers, underscoring Vajpayee’s enduring influence across generations.