Kovind expresses grief over Vajpayee's death, says gentle giant will be missed

President Ram Nath Kovind today said the "gentle giant" will be missed by all.

Former Prime Minister and the great figure of Indian politics, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is no more. Fantastic leadership, foresight and amazing speeches to provide a huge personality. His Virat and Snehil personality will live in our memories, said President Ram Nath Kovind expressing his grief over Vajpayee's death and said the "gentle giant" will be missed by all.

In a post on Twitter, Kovind said his leadership, foresight, maturity, and eloquence put him in a league of his own.

"Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former prime minister, and a true Indian statesman," he said.

"Atalji, the gentle giant, will be missed by one and all," he added.

Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former Prime Minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity and eloquence put him in a league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one and all #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 16, 2018

Vajpayee, the 93-year old leader, who successfully steered through several strategic challenges during his tenure as prime minister, died today after a prolonged illness.

He is survived by his adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where he was admitted on June 11 with a number of ailments announced his death at 5.05 PM today.

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