By IANS,
New Delhi : Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Saturday condoled the death of former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, saying he was a “close friend, a tall leader and one of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s founders”.
“His separation is intolerable for me. I am stunned by his demise. I don’t have words to convey my feelings on his final parting,” Vajpayee said in a message.
Vajpayee said Shekhawat and he had been co-travellers in the journey of Jan Sangh and the BJP.
“He was one of founders of the party. He belonged to the BJP but his personality and his contacts were above party limitations. This was the reason he ran the government in Rajasthan thrice. Leaders from opposition also shared their thoughts with him freely,” Vajpayee said.
He said Shekhawat’s journey from a policeman to vice president was a testimony to his hard work and determination.
“He never forgot his roots. His personality had been shaped by soil of Rajasthan. He used to find a way even in contradictions and deficiencies. He was an able administrator, sensitive politician and a good friend.”
Vajpayee said that Shekhawat’s demise had ended an era in Indian politics.