The Uttarakhand Assembly Tuesday paid tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, describing him as a leader who won the respect and admiration of even his political rivals.
Members from differentpolitical parties showered praise on the late BJP stalwart as a leader who practised value-based politics throughout his political career and had admirers in every party.
The leaders remembered Vajpayee for his sensitivity which they said reflects abundantly in his poetry and down-to-earth nature.
He was also remembered as "the creator of Uttarakhand" who gave it special category status and an industrial package to aid the economic growth.
"Vajpayee not only created Uttarakhand but also helped it stand on its feet by giving it a special category status and an industrial package," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prakash Pant said.
Pant also remembered Vajpayee's love for Hindi, the language he chose to deliver his speech at the United Nations.
Leader of Opposition Indira Hridayesh said Vajpayee acted like a true leader by rising above party lines.
"He extended a helping hand to a fledgling state like Uttarakhand by granting it a special status and an industrial package despite the fact that it was governed by the Congress at that time," she said