Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Enduring Bond with Himachal Continues to Guide the State: Rakesh Jamwal.
Atal Memorial Programme Held at Shivabdar in Mandi District.
Shimla:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised an Atal Memorial Programme at Shivabdar in the Drang Assembly constituency of Mandi district to pay tribute to Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister, late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The programme began with floral tributes being offered to Atal Ji’s portrait.
BJP Chief Spokesperson and Sundernagar MLA Rakesh Jamwal attended the event as the chief guest and main speaker. Drang MLA Purn Chand, BJP Mandi District President Nihal Chand, senior party leaders, mandal presidents, morcha office-bearers and a large number of party workers were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Rakesh Jamwal said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee shared a deep emotional as well as developmental relationship with Himachal Pradesh. He noted that during his tenure as Prime Minister, Atal Ji had a clear understanding of the geographical challenges faced by hill states like Himachal and therefore ensured special assistance and development-oriented policies for them.
Jamwal said that whether it was the expansion of national highways, development of border areas or strengthening the rural road network, Atal Ji’s policies gave a new direction and momentum to Himachal Pradesh’s development. “Even today, the people of Himachal remember Atal Ji not merely as a Prime Minister, but as a member of their own family,” he remarked.
The Sundernagar MLA further stated that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was not only a great statesman but also a symbol of good governance, dignity in politics and unwavering patriotism. He transformed power into a medium of service and worked with the vision of taking development to the last person standing in society. Inspired by Atal Ji’s ideals, the BJP evolved as an ideological movement and today has emerged as the world’s largest political party, he added.
Highlighting Atal Ji’s historic decisions, Jamwal said that the Pokhran nuclear tests established India as a self-reliant and powerful nation on the global stage. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana connected villages with the mainstream of development, greatly benefiting remote and hilly regions. The Golden Quadrilateral Project strengthened the country’s economic framework, while reforms in education, communication and infrastructure prepared India for the challenges of the 21st century.
Jamwal also emphasized that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a strong advocate of dialogue and peace. The Lahore Bus Yatra, he said, remains a symbol of Atal Ji’s courage and farsighted leadership. His respectful conduct towards the opposition, commitment to democratic values and political decency defined his public life. “At a time when bitterness in politics is increasing, Atal Ji’s life and thoughts continue to inspire us all,” Jamwal said.
Concluding his address, Rakesh Jamwal urged BJP workers to imbibe the ideals of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and consider nation-building and public service as their highest duty. He said that carrying forward Atal Ji’s vision and values is the true tribute to his legacy. On the occasion, party workers collectively pledged to follow the principles and ideals laid down by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
