In a powerful tribute, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is systematically realizing the unfinished developmental dreams of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Maurya made these remarks while addressing a symposium titled "Atal: A Personality and an Ideology" in Prayagraj on Tuesday.
The Enduring Pillar of BJP's Ideology
Maurya painted a vivid picture of Vajpayee's monumental role in shaping the Bharatiya Janata Party. He likened the late leader's personality to a boundless ocean. "Atal ji was the ideal figure in politics," Maurya stated, emphasizing that Vajpayee was instrumental in building the party from its nascent stages to its current dominant position.
He credited the foundational work of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the BJP's growth into the world's largest political party. "If the BJP today stands tall like a giant banyan tree, its roots lie in their hard work," the Deputy CM asserted.
From Golden Quadrilateral to Digital India: Atal's Blueprint
Highlighting specific contributions, Maurya pointed to Vajpayee's transformative infrastructure and digital initiatives. He noted that the Golden Quadrilateral project laid the foundation for a modern national road network. Furthermore, Vajpayee's government launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and sowed the early seeds for what would later become the Digital India mission.
Drawing a contrast, Maurya recalled the era of long queues for gas cylinders before Vajpayee's tenure. He connected this past struggle to the present success of the Ujjwala Yojana, which has provided cooking gas connections to millions of poor households under PM Modi's leadership.
Modi's Guarantee and a Vision for 2027
Shifting focus to the current administration, Maurya presented a vision of a robust and transparent India. "Our goal is a corruption-free India," he proclaimed, describing the BJP as a nationalist party free from casteism and dynastic politics. He gave the example of MNREGA, which he claimed is now corruption-free, ensuring funds for village development reach their intended destination in full. "This is Modi's guarantee," he affirmed.
On electoral integrity, Maurya commented on the ongoing purification of voter lists, claiming that booth rigging is now impossible. Expressing strong confidence in the party's future, he set an ambitious target: "We will achieve a big victory in 2027. Let us resolve to win 368-plus seats."
Maurya concluded by urging politicians to draw inspiration from Atal Bihari Vajpayee's life, emphasizing that there should be no place for arrogance in public service. He recalled Vajpayee's prophecy when the BJP had only two MPs—that a day would come when the party would govern at both state and national levels, turning the tables on its detractors.
