He was out of public sight for nearly a decade, yet the entire political class, cutting across party lines, stood in solidarity
with him as he fought a losing battle for his life – that was the influence
Atal Bihari Vajpayee had, on friends and opponents alike. It wouldn’t be wrong
to describe him as the last among Indian politicians who were universally
respected.
Atal ji, as he was fondly called, was
a unique personality. He was a staunch nationalist, a true swayamsevak of the
RSS and yet rose to the stature of a global statesman. His majestic command
over the Hindi language enabled him disarm his opponents with un-matching wit
and made the nation fall in love with his oration. Above all, he was a true
torch bearer of the highest standards of Indian democracy.
This was possible because Atal ji had
seen India before Independence. He himself had participated in the Quit India
Movement and therefore, he knew the price at which we gained Independence. He
understood the importance of the core values of our Nationhood which are today
under systematic assault and he never did anything which would endanger it. He had once
famously remarked that ‘India is not India if it’s not secular’. It was this
character of Vajpayee ji that helped him get the support of Muslims despite
Babri Masjid.
For Atal ji, the Nation always came
first. Perhaps that is why he could easily rise above partisan interests. He
was a pragmatic leader who dared to take risks in the interest of the country.
His decision to conduct Pokhran-II tests, despite knowing the fact that he
would face the wrath of the United States speaks volumes about his leadership.
Unfortunately, the BJP restricts his achievements to the construction of National Highways. It is often
forgotten that it was PM Vajpayee who introduced the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan –
for school children, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – for rural roads and the
Disinvestment policy. It is also pertinent to note that all these schemes were
continued by the UPA Government without changing its names. However, in my view
his greatest achievements were his approach towards Jammu & Kashmir and his
efforts to make peace with Pakistan, though they couldn’t be taken their
logical conclusion.
Even today, if one could go to J&K
and ask anyone, including Separatists, who is their most respected leader, the
unequivocal answer will be Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Till date, his three word
dictum (Insaniyat, Jamooriyat, and Kashmiriyat) are extremely popular in the
state. Even separatists concede that the 2002 elections which he held were
conducted in an extremely fair manner and that his policy was healing the
wounds of J&K. Unfortunately, the present dispensation has disregarded that
doctrine.
As far as Pakistan was concerned, Atal
ji had responded by saying that ‘History can be changed, but geography cannot’.
That comment was the core of his policy towards Pakistan. He took the political
risk of going to Lahore by bus and restarted the dialogue process. He did not
give up even after the betrayal at Kargil and hosted General Musharaf at Agra.
Even though the summit proved to be a disaster and eventually both sides came
to a dangerous confrontation post Parliament Attack, Vajpayee initiated talks
once more in 2003-04, a policy which continued till the 26/11 attacks.
The most significant thing about Atal
ji was the way in which he conducted himself, whether in power or in opposition.
He symbolised the highest standards of grace, dignity, humility and leadership.
Vajpayee was, in many instances, beyond the lines of BJP. It was this character
of his that helped him run a difficult coalition of 13 parties. He respected
those in opposition as his own colleagues. He gave full freedom to his
ministers and was the best team player. It was this humanity that set him apart
from others. His loss is irreparable to India, but as it was said by someone yesterday: वाजपेयी अटल थे, अटल हैं, अटल रहेंगे!
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