Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and former Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, fondly reminisced about former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting Lucknow as the nucleus of “Atal Shakti” and commending BJP workers for embodying the spirit of Atal. Dr. Sharma emphasized that leaders like Atal ji are rare and extraordinary, born once in centuries. Despite the grandeur of current BJP events, he acknowledged the arduous journey and struggles that preceded them, recounting instances where items were collected from numerous households for a program and strategies for the Shilapujan of Ram Janmabhoomi were devised in modest settings.
Atal ji had a unique way of connecting with the public
Speaking at the Atal Jayanti and Tehri Bhoj program held at Kudiya Ghat on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary, Dr. Sharma credited Atal ji as the conductor of Jan Sangh’s yantras that brought people together. He shared anecdotes of the workers’ unwavering dedication towards Atal ji, highlighting numerous stories encapsulated in the memories of his interactions. Atal ji’s unique approach to connecting with the public endeared him to people, fostering cordial relations even with political opponents.
Dr. Sharma recounted an incident of Atal ji’s meeting with communist leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet in Lucknow, illustrating the widespread respect Atal ji commanded across party lines.
Even ideological opponents used to respect the former Prime Minister
Reflecting on Atal ji’s conversational style with the public, Dr. Sharma recounted a memorable dialogue during Atal ji’s first mayoral election. Atal Ji asked the public whether a kurta would look good without a pajama, and upon their response that it wouldn’t, he humorously requested the public to provide him with a pajama after making him victorious in the Municipal Corporation, building a foundation for his victory in the mayoral elections.
On the occasion of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary, Dr. Sharma participated in a gathering and banquet organized at Kudiya Ghat in Lucknow, where he addressed a multitude of workers, sharing anecdotes and memories of Atal ji. The event saw the presence of dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, State Vice President of BJP Trimbak Tripathi, MLA Neeraj Bora, Metropolitan President Anand Dwivedi, Minister of State Mohsin Raza, and others.
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Dr. Sharma also visited an exhibition featuring lifelike paintings of Atal ji created by the late artist Rajendra Karan at Kalasrota Gallery in Aliganj. The MP expressed emotional sentiments upon viewing the pictures of the former Prime Minister. Although the renowned artist Rajendra Karan is no longer present, his art continues to be admired. BJP MLA Yogesh Shukla appreciated the exhibition, especially the oil painting of Atal ji by the late Rajendra Karan. Rajendra Karan’s wife Sarla Karan and son Rohinish Karan were present at the exhibition.
