Once a political rival, filmmaker Muzaffar Ali prays for Vajpayee

 New Delhi : As wishes for Atal Bihari Vajpayee are pouring in from all corners, his former political rival and filmmaker Muzaffar Ali also shared his thoughts about the former prime minister, who is admitted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Praying for the political stalwart's well being, Ali termed Vajpayee as a 'large-hearted person' and said that his presence adds great power to democracy.

"My prayers are with him, his presence is a great power to our democracy, He is a large-hearted person. Even if I opposed him, he was very dignified about it which speaks volume. He is very generous & very forthcoming," Ali told ANI.

In the 1998 general elections, Vajpayee had defeated Ali, who was fielded from Lucknow by the Samajwadi Party. The poet-politician got 43,1738 votes as compared to Ali's 21,5475. However, soon after the fall of the 13-month-old Vajpayee government, the country saw another general election in 1999.

Vajpayee's condition had worsened on Wednesday and remains critical at present.

The 93-year-old was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 for treatment of Urinary Tract Infection, low urine output, and chest congestion.

A number of union ministers, chief ministers and senior leaders, including those from opposition parties, have been visiting AIIMS tp inquire about Vajpayee's health.