Union Ministers and BJP Leaders Celebrate Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Legacy
Hyderabad: Union Minister and BJP Telangana State President G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP OBC Morcha National President Dr. K Laxman, and other leaders gathered to honor the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during centenary celebrations organized by the BJP on Wednesday.
Kishan Reddy highlighted Vajpayee’s role in safeguarding democracy during challenging times. He recalled the Emergency period imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which curtailed press freedom and democratic values. During this time, leaders of the Jan Sangh, including Vajpayee and Jayaprakash Narayan, fought for democracy. Vajpayee endured 18 months in jail, along with countless other leaders such as Bangaru Laxman and Indrasena Reddy. In 1977, under Jayaprakash Narayan’s leadership, the Jana Sangh Party merged with the Janata Party to strengthen the democratic movement.
Reddy criticized the Congress party for lacking moral authority on democracy. He highlighted the BJP’s efforts to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by designating five significant locations related to him as “Pancha Tirthas” in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This initiative aimed to acknowledge Ambedkar’s contributions to Indian history.
Dr. K Laxman, BJP OBC Morcha National President, spoke about the party’s year-long service programs to commemorate Vajpayee’s centenary. He praised the BJP Yuva Morcha for organizing a blood donation camp at the BJP state office. “These celebrations honor Vajpayee’s contributions to the nation during his tenure as Prime Minister,” he said.
Dr. Laxman highlighted Vajpayee’s adherence to moral values in politics. He recalled how Vajpayee, despite risking the collapse of his government by a single vote in Parliament, chose to uphold his principles and returned to seek the electorate’s trust. Dr. Laxman contrasted Vajpayee’s integrity with today’s political landscape, criticizing leaders who frequently switch allegiances. He also noted Vajpayee’s historic speech in Hindi at the United Nations, which showcased Indian culture and language on a global stage.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar expressed pride in celebrating Vajpayee’s legacy, describing him as a leader who embodied India’s moral values and showcased its glory to the world. He praised Vajpayee’s contributions, including the Pokhran nuclear tests, the Golden Quadrilateral highway project, and the Rural Roads Scheme, which continue to inspire the nation.
The BJP’s centenary celebrations included a rally, a blood donation camp, and the distribution of fruits to patients in various hospitals. These events aimed to honor Vajpayee’s contributions and inspire citizens to follow his values of integrity, patriotism, and commitment to national development.
