SHIMLA -25^th December, 2025-Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today paid rich floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary at the historic Ridge, Shimla. Remembering Vajpayee ji as a leader who belonged to everyone, the Governor said he carried both the ruling side and the opposition together and demonstrated that politics may involve competition but should never turn into enmity. He remarked that Atal ji’s social and political life was marked by grace, joy and dignity, and his conduct should be a guiding example for present-day politics.

The Governor described Vajpayee ji as a towering statesman, a true nationalist and one of the tallest leaders of Indian politics, who always stood firm for the nation’s interests. Recalling his special bond with the state, the Governor said that Vajpayee ji regarded Himachal Pradesh as his second home and that his invaluable contributions to the nation would always be remembered.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, MLA Chopal Balbir Singh Verma, Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Surinder Chauhan, former Minister and BJP State President Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Councillors, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, senior officers and other prominent citizens were also present on the occasion.