New Delhi, December 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday released Rs 100 coin in the memory of former Premier Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The announcement comes days before the Union Government is going to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Bharat Ratna Awardee.

Releasing the 100-rupee-coin in the national capital, the PM Modi said, “Atal Ji wanted democracy to be supreme. He built the Jana Sangh but when the time came to rescue our democracy he and others went to Janata Party. Likewise, when the choice was between remaining in power or comprising on ideology, he left Janata Party and formed the BJP.” ‘Train 18’, India’s 1st Engine-Less Train, Likely to Be Launched on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Birth Anniversary With Increased Fare Between New Delhi-Varanasi.

Adding more, he said, “The party which Atal Ji built has become among the largest political parties. Generations of Karyakartas were fortunate to be mentored by him. As a speaker, he was unparalleled. He is among the best orators our nation has produced.”

An image of 100-rupee-coin released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Monday, | Image: ANI
An image of 100-rupee-coin released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Monday, | Image: ANI

Stating that Atalji never compromised on the ideology, PM Modi said, “For some people, power is oxygen...they can't live without it. A long part of Atal Ji's career was spent in the opposition benches but he spoke about national interest and never compromised on the ideology of the party.”

The BJP stalwart would have celebrated his 94th birthday on December 29, had he been alive. The BJP founder passed away after long sickness on August 16, 2018 in New Delhi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 24, 2018 11:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).