Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday (August 16, 2026) paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, recalling him as a visionary leader whose life and ideals continue to inspire the nation.

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Vajpayee, the first BJP leader to become Prime Minister, died on August 16, 2018, at the age of 93.

Remembering Vajpayee, Mr. Fadnavis, in a post on X, said the former PM’s contribution to the country and his values remain an enduring source of inspiration for the nation.

He described Vajpayee as an inspirational and visionary leader.

Opposition NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar also paid tribute to Vajpayee, saying he accorded the highest place of respect to parliamentary tradition and the national interest.

With his oratory, vision and unwavering commitment to democracy, Vajpayee enriched the direction of Indian public life, Mr. Pawar wrote on X.