RIP Atal: Former PM Vajpayee passes away; it's as if I have lost my father, says PM Modi | As it happened

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Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, passed away on Thursday at the age of 93. Vajpayee, the three-term PM, breathed his last at 5:05 pm on Thursday. His last rites will be performed at around 4 pm near Rajghat on Friday.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief over the demise of the former prime minister.

Vajpayee was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion. He was undergoing treatment at the premier institute since then. 

Vajpayee is survived by his adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya.

"It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at 05:05 PM," the AIIMS said in a statement.

It said his condition was stable for the last nine weeks, but "unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems."

"Despite the best of efforts, we have lost him today. We join the Nation in deeply mourning this great loss," said the statement by Dr (Prof) Aarti Vij.

​Earlier in a press release on Wednesday, AIIMS had said: “Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has been admitted for the last 9 weeks at AIIMS. Unfortunately his condition has worsened over the last 24 hours. His condition is critical and he is on life support system.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited AIIMS on Wednesday evening  to inquire about the health condition of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. AIIMS authorities said that the Prime Minister visited the hospital around 7.18 p.m and was with Vajpayee for about 15 minutes. Earlier on Wednesday evening, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani also visited the hospital to check on Vajpayee. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP National President Amit Shah had visited Vajpayee on Saturday. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu visited him on Thursday morning.

Click Here to get Atal Bihari Vajpayee Health Live Updates in Hindi

The 93-year-old leader, a diabetic, has only one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia.The 1924-born leader is under the supervision of Dr Randeep Guleria, a pulmonologist and currently the Director of AIIMS. Guleria has served as personal physician to Vajpayee for over three decades.

As it happened: 

10:35 pm: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray pays tribute to former PM Vajpayee at his residence in Delhi

10:30 pm: Lights of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station (CMST) to remain off today as a mark of respect for Vajpayee

10:12 pm: Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a tall political personality of the subcontinent.His attempts for the betterment of India-Pak relationship will always be remembered. Mr Vajpayee,as a foreign minister, took responsibility of improving India-Pak ties: Pak PM designate Imran Khan

10:07 pm: His warm personality and his gift of friendship won him admirers and friends across the political spectrum and from every walk of life. His death leaves behind a huge void. I join millions of our fellow Indians in mourning his loss and pray for the departed soul: Sonia Gandhi

10:05 pm: I'm deeply saddened by the passing away of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Vajpayee was a towering figure in our national life.Throughout his life, he stood for democratic values and demonstrated this commitment in all his acts whether as a parliamentarian,a cabinet minister or PM: Sonia Gandhi

10: 00 pm: Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi pays tribute to Vajpayee at his residence

9:51 pm: He was our friend&highly respected in Bangladesh. As a token of recognition for his invaluable contribution to our Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh Govt conferred on him Bangladesh Liberation War Honour. Today is a day of great sadness for all of us in Bangladesh: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

9:50 pm: Deeply shocked at sad demise of former PM of India #AtalBihariVajpayee, one of the most famous sons of India. He'll be remembered for contributing towards good governance & highlighting issues affecting common people of India as well as regional peace& prosperity: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

9:34 pm: His demise has marked the end of an era. In Atal ji's passing away, it is as if I have lost my father. It's a void which can never be filled: PM Narendra Modi

9: 33 pm: India has lost its 'anmol ratna'. We are at a loss of words: PM Narendra Modi on Vajpayee's demise

9: 32 pm: All PDP MPs and MLAs will join Vajpayee funeral tomorrow: Mehbooba Mufti: Mehbooba Mufti 

9: 28 pm: PM Modi arrives at Vajpayee's residence to pay his last respects to the former prime minister.

09:00 pm: Many states including Jharkhand, Karnataka, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar declare 7-day mourning and holiday on August 17 

08:50 pm: Sonia Gandhi to visit Vajpayee's residence at 9:30 pm to pay her respects to the departed leader

08:31 pm: Vajpayee's funeral procession to start from 1 pm. Cremation to take place at 4 pm at Smriti Sthal.

08:30 pm: Vajpayee's body arrives at his residence.

08:10 pm: Vajpayee's body is being taken from AIIMS to his Krishna Menon Marg residence. BJP president Amit Shah accompanying the body of the former PM.

08:06 pm: National Flag to fly at half mast throughout India and Indian missions abroad till 22 August.

08:04 pm: Union Cabinet approves half-day holiday in the afternoon of  day of funeral in all Central government offices and CPSUs across the country, and Delhi government offices in NCT of Delhi.

08:02 pm: Union Cabinet gives nod for Vajpayee's State Funeral at Smriti Sthal, New Delhi

08:00 pm: Vajpayee to be accorded state funeral; flag to be flown at half-mast for next 7 days

07:25 pm: Vajpayee did not allow BJP to swing to extreme right of political spectrum: P Chidambaram

07:20 pm: Vajpayee suffered pneumonia, multi-organ failure; was put on ECMO: Doctors at AIIMS

07:10 pm: Govt announces seven-day national mourning

07:05 pm: Deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A reasoned critique in opposition and a seeker of consensus as PM, Atal Ji was a democrat to the core. In his passing away, India has lost a great son and an era has come to an end. My deepest condolences: Former president Pranab Mukherjee

7:00 pm: The US grieves with India on the loss of former Prime Minister #AtalBehariVajpayee. He will be remembered for his immense contribution to bolstering US-India relations and for recognizing us as “natural allies.” We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India: US Ambassador to India Ken Juster

6:55 pm: All of us who knew Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee are saddened to hear of his passing away.  He was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humour. He will be remembered fondly by a vast number of us: Ratan Tata

6:54 pm: Preparations underway at Vajpayee's residence, where his mortal remains will be brought shortly.

6:52 pm: Govt to change the UPA govt's decision prohibiting cremation or memorial building near Rajghat.

6:51 pm: A memorial of Vajpayee will be erected at his  cremation place.

6:50 pm: Vajpayee's cremation will take place at around 5 pm on Friday near Rajghat.

6: 44 pm: National Executive meeting of the BJP, scheduled to be held on August 18-19, has been cancelled

6:42 pm: Never expected end will come so soon. He was a true Indian. He never hesitated to speak from his heart. He was the tallest leader in India post independence. Vajpayee ji is 'ajatshatru' of modern times because he always maintained dignity&decorum: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu

6:39 pm: It is a big loss for the country, he was a very simple man inspite of being such a senior leader.There was not even a shred of arrogance in him.Current leaders need to learn a lot from him: Mulayam Singh Yadav

6:25 pm: Union Cabinet to meet at 6.30 pm today.

6:24 pm: I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of Bharat Ratna #AtalBihariVaajpayee ji.  An excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional public servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian and a great Prime Minister: Dr.Manmohan Singh

6:21 pm: I am deeply grieved at the sad demise of Vajpayee Ji. India has lost one of its tallest leaders: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

6:20 pm: Vajpayee's body will be kept in his bedroom after arrival at his Krishna Menon Marg residence. 

6:14 pm: Mortal remains of Vajpayee will be taken to BJP office on Friday at around 9 am.

5: 58 pm: Today India lost a great son.  Former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family & all his admirers. We will miss him. 

​5:48 pm: ​It was due to the perseverance and struggles of Atal Ji that the BJP was built brick by brick. He travelled across the length and breadth of India to spread the BJP's message, which led to the BJP becoming a strong force in our national polity and in several states: PM Modi

​5:47 pm: Atal Ji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit: PM Modi

​5:46 pm:It was Atal Ji's exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century. His futuristic policies across various sectors touched the lives of each and every citizen of India: PM Modi

​5:45 pm: Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee, our former Prime Minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity&eloquence put him in a league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant,will be missed by one & all: President Kovind

5:44 pm: India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal Ji. His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti: PM Modi

5:07 pm:  Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away at 93

Watch: Former PM Vajpayee passes away at 93

5:15 pm: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives at AIIMS 

4:55 pm: Chhattisgarh and the entire nation is praying for him. We pray to the God to make him healthy soon & bless him with a long life: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh

4:50 pm: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Deputy CM Sushil Modi and Bihar minister Nand Kishore Yadav arrive at AIIMS. 

4:20 pm: People in India and outside are praying for him. Entire country loves him. Present generation of politicians draws inspiration from him. The manner in which he maintained dignity in the Parliament is exemplary: Ashok Tandon, advisor to Vajpayee when he was PM

3:48 pm: Congress president Rahul Gandhi reaches AIIMS to visit  former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

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3:40 pm: Health Minister JP Nadda says Vajpayee continues to remain in critical condition. Doctors trying their best, says JP Nadda

3:20 pm: No health bulletin has yet been released by AIIMS

2:35 pm: It has been more than 30 minutes since Prime Minister Narendra Modi is present in AIIMS to inquire about Atal Bihari Vajpayee

2:30 pm: My prayers are with him, his presence is a great power to our democracy, He is a large-hearted person. Even if I opposed him, he was very dignified about it which speaks volume. He is very generous & very forthcoming: Muzaffar Ali, filmmaker 

2:27 pm:  Health Bulletin on Atal Bihari Vajpayee is expected within a few minutes

2:25 pm: Former Samajadi Party leader Amar Singh leaves AIIMS

2:13 pm: New health bulletin expected at 2:30 pm 

2:09 pm: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Jitendra Singh & BJP Leader Bhupender Yadav are present outside the residence of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

2:05 pm: I have cancelled my work to visit Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji today. I got chance to work with him. He is a statesman like figure. We supported him when his govt was falling. His pattern of work was different & not like present politics: Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM

2:00 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are currently in AIIMS hospital. 

1:50 pm:  Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan reaches AIIMS to meet ailing Vajpayee

1:48 pm:  Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje reaches AIIMS to visit ailing Vajpayee

1:42 pm: Amar Singh also reaches AIIMS to visit Vajpayee

​1:41 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to reach AIIMS shortly. Yesterday too, PM Modi visited Vajpayee

1:40 pm: Amit Shah has reached AIIMS again. Earlier today too, he visited Vajpayee.

1:15 pm: Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje reaches Delhi, will head to AIIMS now

12:02 pm: Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia reach AIIMS

​11:57 am: Meeting underway at BJP office between Amit Shah, Bhupendra Yadav, Dharmendra Pradhan, Murlidhar Rao, Jitendra Singh

11:50 am: BJP cancels all scheduled programmes today

11:08 am:  Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition continues to remain the same. He is critical and on life support systems, latest health bulletin released by AIIMS says.

10:40 am: ​AIIMS is expected to release Atal Bihari Vajpayee's health bulletin shortly

10:17 am: Senior BJP leader LK Advani reaches AIIMS to visit Atal Bihari Vajpayee

​READ | 'Maut Ki Umra Kya hai, Do Pal Bhi Nahi': Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Inspiring Quotes

10:13 am: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also reaches AIIMS

10:00 am : Ram Vilas Paswan, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Prakash Javadekar also reach AIIMS to visit Former Prime Minister 

9:28 am: Dharmendra Pradhan, JP Nadda, Shahnawaz Hussain reach AIIMS to visit the former prime minister 

9:12 am: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to travel to Delhi later today, will visit AIIMS where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. 

8:52 am: AIIMS to release fresh bulletin shortly

8:22 am: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to visit All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted.

7:47 am: Arvind Kejriwal wishes for speedy recovery of Vajpayee

6:58 am: Venkaiah Naidu visits AIIMS to inquire about Vajpayee's health.

6:00 am: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is presently on life support system