The Gentle Giant, will be missed by one and all, says President Kovind

New Delhi, Aug 16: Expressing grief over the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, President Ram Nath Kovind today said the "gentle giant" will be missed by all.

"Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former prime minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity and eloquence put him in a league of his own," he said.

In a statement, AIIMS said that former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee passed away at 5.05 pm on Thursday. "It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of former prime minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at 5.05 pm," the hospital said in a statement.

"Despite the best of efforts, we have lost him today," it said.