Vajpayee was a fatherly figure, says Vasundhara Raje

Paying rich tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Thursday said he was a "fatherly figure who guided me always."

"His demise comes as a personal loss to me which cannot be summed up in words," she said, adding his contribution to the nation will always be remembered.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed his condolences. "The country has lost a great person. He was an influential orator, was a large-hearted person and a dedicated leader who will be remembered for his positive attitude. My prayers for the departed soul and his bereaved family," he said.

Meanwhile, state BJP president Madan Lal Saini, organisation general secretary Chandrashekhar and general secretary Bhajanlal Sharma left for Delhi to pay tributes to the former Prime Minister.

--IANS

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