Amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ideals, integrity and national vision continue to inspire India’s governance framework and democratic values.

Naidu said Vajpayee not only strengthened India’s security architecture but also gave a new direction to governance through inclusive and consensus-driven leadership.

“Much like his name, Vajpayee was steadfast in his resolve to serve the nation, combining statesmanship, humility and poetic sensitivity with a firm commitment to national interest,” the chief minister said in a post on X.

Recalling his personal association with Vajpayee, Naidu said he had the opportunity to work closely with the former prime minister and benefited immensely from his experience and wisdom.

He noted that Vajpayee commanded respect across party lines for his integrity, balanced approach and ability to place national interest above political considerations.

Naidu said Vajpayee’s leadership inspired generations of public representatives and left a lasting imprint on India’s democratic institutions.

“The contributions of Atal ji will always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude for shaping the nation’s growth, stability and governance ethos,” the chief minister said.

Earlier in the day, Naidu, along with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, attended the unveiling of Vajpayee’s statue at Atal Smruthi Vanam in Venkatapalem village of Guntur district.

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Meanwhile, the Atal–Modi Good Governance Yatra, launched by the Andhra Pradesh BJP on December 11, was set to conclude on Thursday after a series of statewide programmes highlighting the governance ideals and values of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.