Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh greets former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 85th birth anniversary
in New Delhi on Thursday. A Tribune photograph
|
New Delhi, December 25
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today turned 85, but it was a subdued birthday for him as he decided not to celebrate in view of last month's Mumbai terror attacks.
President Pratibha Patil was among the first to send greetings to the BJP veteran, Rastrapathi Bhawan sources said.
She sent flowers and greetings to Vajpayee,
they said.
Leaders from the BJP, its NDA allies and those from other parties also sent
bouquets and birthday wishes to the former Prime Minister.
Vajpayee had expressed his desire earlier this week not to celebrate his birthday in view of the terror strikes in Mumbai.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani are scheduled to pay a visit to the Vajpayee's residence, BJP sources said.
The former Prime Minister has been suffering from age-related ailments for the past two years and has kept away from public view.
— PTI
