Naveen Patnaik visits Delhi to offer condolences to the passing away of Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

It is a great national loss today, as much as a personal loss for me. I will always cherish my association with Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji especially as it was during my initial years in politics. He embodied a unique combination of grace, idealism and tolerance in politics. A statesman who was admired across the political spectrum – rare in politics. His depth of vision and understanding of issues was unparalleled. A man of firm principles and an idealistic poet. It is truly the end of an era.

Vajpayjee ji had a large heart with a special corner for Odisha – love that was equally reciprocated by the people of Odisha. We will miss you Vajpayee ji.