CM Rawat condoles death of ‘Bharat Rattan’ Atal Bihari Vajpayee; All govt offices, schools to remain closed on Aug 17

• Seven day state mourning announced, National flag to fly at half mast

• Government offices, education institutions to remain close on Aug 17 as a mark of respect

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat has expressed deep sorrow at the demise of ‘Bharat Rattan’ Former Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said that the people of the country are mourning the loss of their beloved leader. He said that with the demise of Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, an era has come to an end. He was not only a leader of the country but one of the greatest leader’s of the world.

Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced a seven day state mourning in Uttarakhand as a mark of respect to Former Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. During the mourning period, wherever national flags are hoisted regularly, will fly at half mast. During the period of state mourning, no government cultural programmes will be held and all the government offices, educational institutions and semi-government offices will remain close on August 17.

In his condolence message, CM Rawat said that Atal ji had special attraction for Uttarakhand. He used to visit Mussoorie, Dehradun and Nainital frequently. He was the person who gave his consent for the formation of separate state of Uttarakhand.

“Atal ji not only formed the separate state of Uttarakhand but also gave it a special category status and sanctioned a special industrial package. For the safety of Uttarkashi and to facilitate pilgrims and tourists to Gangotri, he gave a special economic package for the treatment of Varaunavarat landslides. The people of Uttarakhand will always remain indebted for his special love for the state, “ he said. He paid tributes to Atal ji on behalf of the people of the state.

Chief Minister said that born in a simple family, Atal ji not only reached the position of Prime Minister of the country but also took the politics and economy of the country to greater heights. “Being a poet, journalist, great orator, politician, Atal ji was a multi faceted personality. His oratory used to hypnotize and encourage every citizen of the country and his rationality convinced everybody, “ he said.

The Chief Minister said that his entire life was symbol of national pride which he devoted for the service of poor and deprived. “He was the first Foreign Minister of the country who addressed United Nations in Hindi language. Respected Atal ji by successfully conducting the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998 made the world aware of India’s strength. When Pakistan through deceit occupied Kargil heights, the Indian army under the strong leadership of Atal ji wiped out the Pakistani intruders completely,” Chief Minister said.

Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said that the leadership of Atal ji gave a new direction to the economy of the country. During his tenure, many important economic and infrastructural reforms took place. Through ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ project, the network of highways was established while rural roads were developed through ‘Pradhan Mantri Sadak Yojna’. Both these projects played an important role in economic progress of the country. “ Atal ji was a doyen of Indian politics. He has left us but his ideals and thinking will always give us inspiration,” said  Trivendra Singh Rawat.