New Delhi, Aug 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video message condoling the demise of former PM and Bharatiya Janata Party co-founder Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In his passing away, said Modi, "India has lost an anmol ratna."

Modi said he is more devastated than one becomes after losing his own father. "He was more than a father to me. Ever since I became part of the BJP, Atal ji provided me the support of a father. His demise leaves behind a void in my life which would never be fulfilled," the Prime Minister added.

Watch PM Modi's video message below:

Vajpayee breathed his last at 5:05pm today at AIIMS in Delhi. He was admitted at the hospital since June 11, after he contracted infection in the urinary tract and developed chest congestion.

Since 2009, however, his overall health had deteriorated after suffering a stroke, followed by dementia. Vajpayee was left speech-impaired since then. His last public appearance was seen in 2015, when President Pranab Mukherjee awarded him the Bharat Ratna.

On his demise, leaders from across the political spectrum paid homage to the late leader.

"I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. An excellent orator, an impressive poet, an exceptional public servant, an outstanding Parliamentarian and a great Prime Minister," former PM Manmohan Singh said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2018 09:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).