Vajpayee was a "shining star" in politics: Raman Singh

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today expressed profound grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said the life of a "shining star" in Indian politics has come to an end.

Singh said Vajpayee was not only a towering figure in the Indian politics, but also an international leader.

"In dont have words to bid farewell to Atal ji. He was my 'guru' (mentor) and father figure to me. Like 125 crore people of India, I am also stunned and disturbed on his death," Singh said in a statement issued here.

"He was a great leader not only for India, but for the entire world. In his passing away, the life of a shining star in politics has come to an end," Singh said.

Vajpayee was popular among all sections of the society and also political parties, the BJP leader said.

"Over 2.50 crore people of Chhattisgarh will always remember him as the founder of this state. In 1998, Vajpayee had promised to form Chhattisgarh while addressing a massive public rally in Raipur and he fulfilled his promise in 2000 (the year the state came into existence)," he said.

He had visited the state several times, Singh added.

Remembering his association with Vajpayee, Singh said, "I got the opportunity to work under the leadership of the then prime minister from 1999 to 2003 as a Union minister."