Addressing various events to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, organised on the eve of his 100the birth anniversary, chief minister Yogi Adityanath said that Vajpayee had steered Indian politics from instability to stability. The CM, along with defence minister Rajnath Singh, inaugurated a two-day long Atal Health Fair in Lucknow, followed by a Yuva Kumbh.
The CM described Vajpayee as the ‘Ajatshatru’ of Indian politics, praising him for his spontaneity and simplicity, which endeared him to people across all sections of society. At the health fair, the CM and defence minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for 181 projects worth Rs 662 crore. “Atalji, who represented Lucknow as an MP five times, revolutionised Indian politics. He also brought Pt Deendayal Upadhyay’s vision of Antyodaya to life. Inspired by his legacy, the Atal Health Fair continues to deliver healthcare services to the underprivileged and needy,” the CM said, adding that health fairs were first launched when Vajpayee was PM in 1998-99. The practice was discontinued but was revived by his government five years ago and between 2020 and 2023, over 50,000 people had benefited from them.
During a distribution of assistive devices like prosthetic limbs, tricycles, wheelchairs, and blind sticks at the health fair, the CM spoke about the various initiatives taken to empower disabled persons under the PM Narendra Modi government, including an increase in their annual pension to Rs 12,000. At the Atal Yuva Maha Kumbh, organised at the KD Singh Babu Stadium, the CM highlighted that the theme of the programme was ‘Kadam se Kadam Milakar Chalna Hoga’. He said that such events exemplify the profound respect and admiration that people had for Vajpayee. He also credited public representatives for creating platforms that ensured that Vajpayee’s legacy remained alive through their collective efforts. “The ‘Yuva Kumbh’ serves to revive the cherished memories associated with the Kumbh, an event rooted in the tradition of Sanatan Dharma. The Kumbh represents India’s identity, embodying the fusion of Sanatan wisdom and spiritual energy. The spirit of the grand Kumbh Mela, scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, is being reflected here today,” the CM said.
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