Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee by garlanding his statue at Ridge today on the occasion of the death anniversary of the former Prime Minister.

Later, while interacting with media persons, the Chief Minister said that people of the Himachal, in general, were fortunate that Atal Bihari Vajpayee had a special love and benevolence for the State and its people.

He said that despite his busy schedule as Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to visit Prini in the Kullu district every year. He said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a great orator, outstanding parliamentarian, and extraordinary statesman.

Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, MP and State BJP President Suresh Kashyap, MLA Balbir Verma, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Aditya Negi, and SP Shimla Dr. Monika were also present on occasion among others.