New Delhi, Dec 25 (NationPress) Celebrating the 101st birth anniversary of the esteemed former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recognized nationally as Good Governance Day, veteran BJP leader Kanta Nalawade shared insightful reflections on the life and leadership of this iconic statesman.

In an exclusive discussion, Nalawade highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively realizing Vajpayee's visionary aspirations for a prosperous India.

Nalawade, a prominent political figure since 1973 and closely affiliated with the party’s central leadership from around 1990, characterized Vajpayee as an approachable and industrious leader.

"Atal Ji was always available for everyone. His hard work was evident. His vision was to elevate India through rural initiatives, extensive road construction, and ambitious river linking projects. He was a strong proponent of scientific advancement in India," she reminisced.

She further noted that many of these dreams, especially in infrastructure and scientific innovation, are currently being achieved under PM Modi's stewardship.

"PM Modi has brought Atal Ji's dreams to fruition," Nalawade asserted confidently.

Reflecting on her close bond with Vajpayee, Nalawade mentioned her appointment as All India BJP Secretary in 2000 during his tenure and her election as Mahila Morcha president three years later. During that period, Narendra Modi was the party's General Secretary (Organization).

She fondly recalled the early days of the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980, when Vajpayee, despite his prominence, opted for a modest lifestyle, residing in tents in Samta Nagar rather than luxurious accommodations.

A cherished memory includes a party meeting in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, where she traveled by train to Dehradun alongside leaders such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Narendra Modi, and Lal Krishna Advani, noting Vajpayee's kindness.

"Atal Ji would engage with everyone warmly. He had a particular fondness for Marathi culture," she recalled.

After the meeting, during a dinner with around 15 leaders, including Sikander Bakht, Vajpayee encouraged everyone to share their experiences of joining the Jan Sangh or the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Nalawade shared her own journey; her husband’s involvement with the Jan Sangh inspired her to join. She particularly enjoyed Bakht's captivating story, which Vajpayee playfully addressed by asking, "You were part of the Congress, right?"

Bakht recounted an incident during the Delhi Corporation elections when he was the All India Congress General Secretary. Upon returning home after voting one evening, he inquired whether his mother had voted, to which she affirmed.

As he was heading to his room, she called out, "You didn’t ask who I voted for." Assuming it was Congress, Bakht was astonished when she disclosed otherwise.

She explained that throughout the day, four enthusiastic young men from the Jan Sangh had been visiting her, urging her to vote, saying, "Mother, please accompany us." Though initially hesitant, their persistence swayed her. The badge they wore bore the deepak (lamp) symbol of the Jan Sangh, and she proudly cast her vote for them.

Displaying the ink on her finger, she told her son, "I came here with this." She then advised Sikander Bakht to work for the party with such grassroots enthusiasm. This experience significantly impacted him, and later, during the Emergency imposed by the Congress government, Bakht joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Nalawade emphasized that PM Modi's development model heavily relies on Vajpayee's principles, fulfilling numerous unmet aspirations. However, she pointed out distinct differences in their personalities.

"Atal Bihari Vajpayee was deeply emotional and maintained excellent rapport with everyone, including the opposition, who respected him greatly," she noted.

In contrast, "Narendra Modi values every moment. 'Time is money' is his mantra. He conserves his time and dedicates that saved time to the nation."

While Vajpayee enjoyed non-vegetarian meals, PM Modi adheres to a strict vegetarian diet.

"Narendra Modi is recognized as a global leader, and rightfully so," Nalawade affirmed. She also commended the newly unveiled Inspiration Memorial (Rashtra Prerna Sthal) as an essential location "for every worker to study history" and gain inspiration from Vajpayee's contributions.

As tributes flowed nationwide, with Prime Minister Modi and other leaders paying their respects, Nalawade's recollections serve as a heartfelt reminder of Vajpayee's lasting impact on Indian politics and the seamless continuity in the BJP’s leadership philosophy from Vajpayee to PM Modi.