PM, BJP leaders wish Vajpayee on his 86th birthday

New Delhi, Dec 25 (ANI): Several leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted Former Prime Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 86th birthday on Friday.

Manmohan Singh visited Vajpayee's residence at Krishna Menon Marg to wish him.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani also visited Vajpayee's residence to greet him.

Former BJP President Rajnath Singh, BJP leader Arun Jaitley, and the newly elected Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj also wished Vajpayee.

"Today, 25th December is birth anniversary of Atal ji. All of us had come here to his residence to congratulate him and to give him our good wishes. I want to say about him that he is the sole leader of 20th century who has gained respect and acceptance from people of the country for such a long tenure in that century. And I can say that in other parties as well they have gained respect and acceptance. We pray God that he becomes healthy and has long life. Prime Minister had also come here today and gave his good wishes to him, " said Rajnath Singh.

The newly elected BJP President Nitin Gadkari also greeted Vajpayee on his birthday.Former Union Minister Vijay Goel and former National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra also met Vajpayee to wish him.

Former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Arun Shourie was the first senior leader to reach Vajpayee's residence.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeudurappa also met Vajpayee on the occasion.Vajpayee has been unwell for many months.

Vajpayee has been a stalwart in Indian political arena for over six decades. He became Prime Minister in 1996, but only for 13 days and then regained power as head of a multi-party coalition in 1999.

Vajpayee has been applauded for his oratory and debating skills in Parliament.

Vajpayee is the only Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to occupy the office of the Prime Minister of India through three successive mandates. (ANI)