In pictures: Atal Bihar Vajpayee, a politician par excellence

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is an orator par excellence, who was known for his bold decisions. His take of “Insaniyat (Humanity), Jamhuriyat (Democracy) and Kashmiriyat (Identity of the people of Kashmir)” doctrine on Kashmir played a crucial role for peace in the valley. An RSS loyalist, Vajpayee never tinkered with India’s social harmony and was loved and respected by all. (Photo: Praveen Jain Facebook)

Former Prime ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PV Narasimha Rao and Chandrashekhar giggling, while congress leader Sonia Gandhi sits in the front seat in an event at the Central Hall in the Parliament house. (Photo: Praveen Jain Facebook)

Vajpayee became a household name when he served the nation as external affairs minister under Morarji Desai’s government. (Photo: Praveen Jain Facebook)

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee loved Indian snack 'Pani Puri' or 'Gol Gappa'. (Photo: Praveen Jain Facebook)

Maharashtra Leader Sharad Pawar, Ch Charan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee at public meeting at Ramlila ground in New Delhi. (Photo: Praveen Jain Facebook)

Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the first person outside the Congress to have served the complete five-year term. (Photo: Praveen Jain Facebook)