UK-based industrialists G P Hinduja and Lord Swraj Paul today praised the statesmanship and leadership of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying his demise marks the end of an era.
Hinduja, co-chairman of the Hinduja Group, said Vajpayee had led India with sagacity and left a huge impact on the country and the world.
"We had the privilege of knowing Atalji for several decades, from the time he was a member of Parliament. He was a wise and able political leader, a great human being, and also a poet. He was truly a colossus," Hinduja said adding, "It is a great loss to he world and to all of us in the family".
The leading businessman conveyed his sincere condolences to Vajpayee's family members and colleagues and said he would "pray to God for his soul to receive peace".
"He cannot be forgotten because he did a lot for the nation and was instrumental in bringing the BJP to power. Such was the respect he commanded that even the Opposition would praise him," he added.
NRI industrialist Paul also paid his "heartfelt condolences" to the friends and relatives of Vajpayee, saying India owes a lot to the former prime minister who died aged 93 in New Delhi today.
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"Very sad to hear of his demise. I had the honour to know him and he was always very warm and kind. He was a great human being," Paul said.
"The whole country is very proud of him and India owes a lot to him," he said.