Vajpayee's death very big loss: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday termed former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's passing away a "very big loss" to the nation.

"Very very saddened that the great statesman and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji is no more with us.

"His passing away is a very big loss to our nation. I will always cherish many fond memories with him. Condolences to his family and his many admirers," Mamata tweeted.

Vajpayee passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi after prolonged illness. He was 93.

--IANS

dm/tsb/bg