BAPATLA: The Atal–Modi Suparipalana Bus Yatra continued in Bapatla on Tuesday, with ruling coalition leaders unveiling a bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and addressing a large public gathering.
Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Ministers Anagani Satyaprasad and Kolusu Parthasarathi, and BJP State President PVN Madhav unveiled the statue as part of the programme.
Madhav said unveiling Vajpayee’s statue in the presence of three ministers was a proud moment. He said coalition leaders were actively participating in the yatra and public meetings to reach out to people. Recalling Vajpayee’s political journey, Madhav referred to his role in the freedom movement, early imprisonment and lifelong dedication to the nation. He highlighted Vajpayee’s ability to unite non-Congress parties and earn respect across political lines.
Madhav also spoke about Vajpayee’s parliamentary career, his advocacy for national integration, his stand on issues such as Kashmir, his role in Goa’s liberation movement and his strong interventions on national security.
He said Vajpayee’s leadership during the 1998 nuclear tests firmly placed India on the global stage.
Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar described Vajpayee as an “Ajata Shatru” of Indian politics and recalled his long parliamentary career, including three terms as Prime Minister. He said Vajpayee prioritised infrastructure-led development, citing the Golden Quadrilateral project and rural road expansion that strengthened national connectivity.
Minister Anagani Satyaprasad praised Madhav for strengthening coordination within the coalition and steering the yatra. He said the coalition government, after completing one year, was engaging with the public to explain its development initiatives and added that installing Vajpayee’s statues across districts would help younger generations understand his legacy.
Minister Kolusu Parthasarathi said Vajpayee consistently placed national interest above personal or party considerations and upheld high standards of parliamentary discipline.
Leaders urged party workers to take the coalition government’s development programmes to the public.