Overview
- Speaking after the unveiling, the defence minister hailed Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya as true statesmen who placed national interest above power.
- A coffee table book titled “Bharat Mata” was released, described as celebrating Indian nationalism in the arts and marking 150 years since the composition of “Vande Mataram.”
- The event coincided with nationwide observances for Vajpayee’s birth centenary, which officials said gave the tribute added significance.
- Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said the portraits will remain in the House as a lasting tribute, following multi-agency planning for security, traffic and medical support for about 1,000 attendees.
- Chief minister Rekha Gupta, legislative affairs minister Parvesh Verma and deputy speaker Mohan Singh Bisht attended, with Sahitya Kala Parishad artists staging a patriotic cultural program.