Vajpayee in AIIMS: Politicians make beeline to hospital

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to enquire about the health of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is on a life-support system. This is the Prime Minister's second visit to the hospital in less than 24 hours.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah, who went to see the ailing leader earlier in the day, again made a round of the hospital in the afternoon.

Various political leaders cutting across party lines have been rushing to the AIIMS since yesterday after the former Prime Minister's condition worsened. The BJP stalwart was admitted to the AIIMS on June 11 for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infection, low urine output and chest congestion.

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, who went to see the ailing Vajpayee, said, "We all should pray for his recovery. We should not forget that he is a leader who wanted to make the country strong. He wanted peace not only in our country but the whole world."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed concerns about Vajpayee's dropping health. He tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the critical health condition of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. Praying for his speedy recovery."

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reminisced working with Vajpayee, and said that the news of his health has distressed him. Patnaik is scheduled see the bed-ridden leader later in the day.

He said, "I served as a member of his cabinet for two years, to hear about his health is distressing. He is a great leader and to work under him was a very good experience. I would be flying to Delhi today."

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has also reached New Delhi to enquire about Vajpayee's condition.

Various Chief Ministers including Mamata Banerjee, Yogi Adityanath, and Nitish Kumar are also expected at AIIMS.