Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Monday paid rich tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away on August 16 last on the opening day of its sixteenth session.
Before moving the motion on the floor, Assembly Speaker T N Thongdok expressed his profound grief in memory of Vajpayee.
Thongdok said the country had lost an excellent leader and a great poet with his demise.
“In Vajpayee’s demise, the country lost a great leader, poet and a good human being. His demise has created a big gap in political arena,” Thongdok said.
“During his tenure as PM, the country had achieved various distinctions like nuclear bomb test in Pokhran, Kargil war against Pakistan,” the Speaker informed the House.
“Vajpayee’s idea was to develop North East so that India could shine in the real sense,” Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said, adding, his principle of country first, party last had won the hearts of millions.
Bamang Felix, Minister for RWD said that one of the visionary gifts to the nation by Vajpayee is PMGSY, due to which now the villagers enjoys good roads. Felix also highlighted major policies of which the present India is enjoying the fruits.
He said that Vajpayee was a multifaceted personality who was soft in nature but tough when situation demanded.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang said that four decades as Parliamentarian speaks about the love and respect people had about this great leader.
“The greatest tribute to him will be to emulate his principles and ideology. He has made himself immortal by his deeds,” the minister said.
Mahesh Chai, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs said that many flagship programmes initiated by Vajpayee are so successful that they are still followed.
Ministers Nabam Rebia and Honchum Ngandam and MLAs Wanglin Lowangdong, Nabam Tuki, Lombo Tayeng, Tanga Byaling, Takam Pario, Tapang Taloh, Thangwang Wangham, Rajesh Tacho, Tesam Pongte, Pani Taram, Paknga Bage, Kento Rina and Japu Deru also participated in obituary reference.
The House later observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed leader, before the Speaker adjourned the proceedings for the day.