Mahajan will emerge victor defeating death: Vajpayee

Mumbai, Apr 23 (UNI) Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said his party colleague Pramod Mahajan, battling for life on ventilator in Hinduja hospital after being shot by his younger brother Pravin yesterday, will emerge victorious defeating death.

During a brief interaction with mediapersons after seeing the grievously wounded 56-year-old party general secretary, Mr Vajpayee said '' I have faith Mahajan will succeed in this test.'' He said Mr Mahajan's courage, grit and determination and other qualities have always been a guiding force to his followers and to people in general and the people from across the political spectrum, particularly the youth.

Mr Vajpayee, who described Mr Mahajan ''the Lakshman of BJP'' at the party's national convention and silver jubilee function here in December, last year, said best of medical treatment will be made available to him.

On role of foreign doctors in his treatment, the former Prime Minister said he is being treated with the help from best of doctors and medicines.

Mr Vajpayee, who emerged with Mr Mahajan's son Rahul by his side, said '' I appreciate his (Mahajan) family for handling such a difficult situation with courage and patience.'' UNI GVS SA YA KP1702