New Delhi, Dec 25 : On a day when Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra Modi took oath, as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for a third time in a row, party leaders said the occasion has become special since it coincides with former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s 84th birthday anniversary.
"We have given the special gift of victory of Gujarat to Vajpayee," said BJP leader Sahnawaz Hussain.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani had wished Vajpayee on Monday evening since he had to leave for Modi's swearing-in on Tuesday.

"Vajpayee's birthday is a special occasion. It is celebrated by millions of people across villages and cities in the country. Even those who are not traditional BJP supporters too poured in with their greetings," said Prakash Javedkar, BJP leader.

Vajpayee, who has been ailing for quite some time now, met wellwishers and thanked them.

One of his supporters from Bikaner, Rajesh Gehlot came with an 85-meter long letter displaying the life of the BJP’s patriarch.

"This letter is a memoir displaying the life and poems of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It displays information on his parents. I have included everything that is special to him," said Gehlot.

A large number of well-wishers greeted Vajpayee for long life with flowers and sweets. (ANI)