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Watch: Atal Bihari Vajpayee - 5 memorable speeches of the orator extraordinaire

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was known as one of the best orators of Indian politics.

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Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away on Thursday evening following a long illness. 

Vajpayee, a three-time prime minister, was known as one of the best orators of Indian politics. Famously, India's first PM Jawahar Lal Nehru has predicted his rise to the top after listening to to one of Vajpayee's speeches in Parliament.

Vajpayee, the only non-Congress prime minister to complete the full term of five years, was known for delivering powerful speeches laced with humour, couplets and wit. He was a poet, journalist and writer. 

A look at some his most memorable speeches:

1. Confidence motion debate, 1996

Perhaps, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's most admired speech was his concluding adress during the vote on confidence motion in the Parliament in 1996.

Vajpayee had to quit after after a 13-day stint as he couldn't muster the numbers to win the confidence vote. Vajpayee promptly resigned, but not before delivering this stirring speech, where he said, "We bow down to the strength of majority. We assure you that till the time the work that we started with our bare hands in national interest is not completed, we shall not rest."

2. BJP's first national convention, 1980

“Andhera chatega, sooraj niklega, kamal khilega," this line from Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s speech at first national convention of the BJP in 1980 became the motto of the new formed party for years. 

3. In Lok Sabha on speaking on Pokhran nuclear tests

Atal Bihari Vajpayee defended the decision to conduct nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998 in Lok Sabha. He famously said, "We are not getting ready to attack anyone. We don't have that intention. I was asked about the connection between Pokhran-2  and the Lahore bus service. They are two sides of the same coin - the strength of our defence and the hand of friendship -- the hand of friendship through honesty." 

4. Announcing the Pokhran nuclear tests

When Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998, whole world was shocked. In his usual style he credited the scientists and engineers, who have carried out these successful tests, for the success.

5. Adressing the joint session of US Congress

"India and the United States have taken a decisive step, away from the past. The dawn of the new century has marked a new beginning in our relations. Let us work to fulfil this promise and the hope of today," said Atal Bihari Vajpayee in his address to a joint session of the US Congress in 2000.

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