‘Vajpayee put India on global nuclear stage’

Hailing former Prime Minister Vajpayee’s role in ensuring national security, Union Minister Kishan Reddy highlighted Vajpayee’s leadership during the Kargil War and his decision to conduct nuclear tests despite international pressure. “Vajpayee made India a nuclear power and ensured its place on the global stage,” he added.
Kishan was addressing the gathering at a function held to honour former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth centenary.
The celebration, recognised as Good Governance Day, highlighted Vajpayee’s unparalleled contributions to Indian politics and governance. Extending heartfelt wishes to the people of Telangana, Kishan hailed Vajpayee as a leader who exemplified ethical values throughout his political career.
“From being a journalist to serving as the President of the Jan Sangh, as Foreign Minister, and eventually as the Prime Minister of India, Vajpayee’s life was a testament in unwavering dedication to the nation and moral values,” he said.
Kishan stressed Vajpayee’s historic achievements, like the Pokhran nuclear tests, the Golden Quadrilateral Project, and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which transformed India’s infrastructure and rural connectivity.
He also credited Vajpayee for introducing the Kisan Credit Card, supporting farmers, and launching numerous housing schemes for the underprivileged. “During his tenure as Foreign Minister, Vajpayee addressed the United Nations in Hindi for the first time. In Parliament, his speeches were listened to with respect across party lines, a far cry from today’s opposition leaders who bring disrepute to the country,” Kishan said taking a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi.
He praised Vajpayee’s principled politics, citing his decision to resign from the Prime Minister’s post even though there was a possibility of garnering support to save his government. “He upheld ethics and chose to step down, only to return stronger with the people’s mandate,” he said.
Kishan also drew comparisons between Vajpayee’s legacy and the governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Inspired by Vajpayee, Modi has made India the fifth largest economy in the world by introducing transformative schemes like Digital India and social welfare programmes for all sections of society,” he said.
Kishan called upon BJP workers to honour Vajpayee’s legacy by working tirelessly at all polling booths and by bringing more youth into the party.