‘Darkness Has Lifted, the Sun Has Risen’: PM Modi Pays Tribute to Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

New Delhi: Today is 16 August 2026. On this day in 2018, former Prime Minister of India and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away. Today is his eighth death anniversary. On this occasion, all the big leaders of the country including PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to him. PM Narendra Modi reached the 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial in Delhi and offered flowers at the tomb of Atal ji. President Draupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and many senior leaders were also present there.

What did PM Modi say about Atal Ji?

Remembering Atal Ji on social media, PM Modi wrote that he was an unmatched leader. He dedicated his entire life to the name of the country. Modi further said that Atal ji's thoughts, his methods and his work will always show the way to the coming generations. He laid maximum emphasis on good governance and taking the country forward. Because of this, Indian democracy got a new direction.

What did Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh say?

Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Atal Ji by tweeting. He remembered Atal ji's dedication and contribution to the country. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached 'Always Atal'. Offering flowers, he said that Atal ji was a symbol of democratic values and development.

What did Atal Bihari Vajpayee do for the country?

Atal Ji is known as a brilliant orator, poet and visionary leader. He became the prime minister of the country 3 times:

• In 1996 – only 13 days
• From 1998 to 1999 - Second term
• From 1999 to 2004 – Full term

Many big works were done during his time:

• Pokhran nuclear test – made the country a nuclear power Golden
• Quadrilateral – Roads connecting four metros
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – Connected villages with roads He paid maximum attention to strengthening the infrastructure of the country.

Why do people still remember Atal Ji?

The biggest identity of Atal Ji was his style of speaking. Even while being in the opposition, he used to express his views with full force. He ran the government by taking many parties together. On August 16, 2018, he left the world at the age of 93. Even today, even after 8 years, people remember him with the same respect. Atal ji's name is still taken as a leader of democracy, good governance and nation-building.