Assam Guv, CM mourn Vajpayee's death

Assam Governor Jagadish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today mourned the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The nation has lost an eminent statesman who had earned the unique distinction of being the first non-Congress prime minister, the Governor said in a statement.

The sagacity and leadership of the former Prime Minister at both the national and international levels has been a source of inspiration and guidance", he said.

During his tenure as prime minister he made a bold yet subtle statement regarding Indias nuclear capability by going for Pokhran test and helped the country to enter the Nuclear Club. He had also made it unambiguously clear that this was for self-defense and the country which is a believer of non-violence in no way will be in nuclear race with any country.

Sonowal described Vajpayee as a statesman, ideologue, icon and one of independent India's greatest leaders.

"Vajpayeeji's resolute leadership transformed India and gave us wings to dream and achieve," Sonowal tweeted.

The Leader of the Opposition in Assam, Debabrata Saikia that in Vajpayee's death the country has lost a stalwart, who embodied the best values of parliamentary democracy.

Vajpayee was admired and respected by his political opponents because he had always placed national interest above party interest, he said.

"As prime minister Vajpayee had not hesitated to remind the then Gujarat chief minister to discharge his 'Raj Dharma' in the wake of the infamous riots in that state," the senior Congress leader said.

"The demise of such a towering democrat is an irreparable loss to the nation," he added.

Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in his condolence said that Vajpayee was an iconic statesman and stalwart of Indian politics.

"A revered politician, the former prime minister was widely appreciated in national and international arena for his acumen and foresight," he added.