LUCKNOW, Aug. 16 -- Paying tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, chief minister Yogi Adityanath recalled the late BJP leader's "towering contribution to Indian politics". The chief minister also remembered freedom fighter and warrior queen Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi on her birth anniversary.

"The former Prime Minister's six-decade-long political journey gave a new direction to Indian politics. He upheld India's core values and ideals, demonstrated the true model of development within the country and ensured the honour of India and 'Bharatiyata' on the global stage," Adityanath said.

"Be it in the ruling party or in the opposition, Atal Ji always upheld these values and lived...