Vasundhara Raje Recalls Vajpayee's Leadership During the 1998 Pokhran Nuclear Tests
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Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 101st birth anniversary, recalling the invaluable lessons she learned from him during the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests. As a junior minister in Vajpayee's government at the time, Raje was personally guided by the former Prime Minister on how to navigate the sensitive and challenging situation. Vajpayee advised Raje to exercise caution while handling the issue, particularly in dealing with media and public queries, as the matter drew national and international attention. Raje credits Vajpayee's guidance with shaping her understanding of governance during crises. Raje also shared an anecdote about Vajpayee's commitment to ethical politics, recalling how he told her that he would not engage in manipulation or opportunistic alliances for the sake of power. Instead, he believed that a government that works honestly and effectively will earn the people's mandate again. The event, held in Jhalawar, also marked the plantation of 2,100 teak saplings as part of a larger initiative to develop an 'Atal Van'. Raje and other dignitaries laid foundation stones and inaugurated several development works aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the district. The initiative is expected to transform the area into a lush green zone in the coming years.
