Editing Atal Bihari Vajpayee (section)

=== Third term: 1999–2004===
{{See also|Third Vajpayee ministry}}

The [[1999 Indian general election|1999 general elections]] were held in the aftermath of the Kargil operations. The BJP-led NDA won 303 seats out of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, securing a comfortable and stable majority.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianembassy.org/inews/Nov_99/inews_11_99.pdf|title=Address to the Nation by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee|publisher=Indianembassy.org|access-date=24 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402173754/http://www.indianembassy.org/inews/Nov_99/inews_11_99.pdf|archive-date=2 April 2012}}</ref> On 13 October 1999, Vajpayee took oath as the prime minister of India for the third time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/election/1999/oct/13vaj.htm|title=Rediff on the NeT: 70-member Vajpayee ministry sworn in|work=Rediff.com|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191710/http://www.rediff.com/election/1999/oct/13vaj.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

A national crisis emerged in December 1999, when [[Indian Airlines flight 814 hijacking|Indian Airlines flight IC 814]] from [[Kathmandu]] to New Delhi was hijacked by five terrorists and flown to [[Taliban]]-ruled Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianembassy.org/archive/IC_814.htm#Identity%20of%20hijackers|title=Information on hijacked Indian Airlines aircraft, IC-814|access-date=6 February 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618043501/http://www.indianembassy.org/archive/IC_814.htm|archive-date=18 June 2010}}</ref> The hijackers made several demands including the release of certain terrorists like [[Masood Azhar]] from prison. Under pressure, the government ultimately caved in. [[Jaswant Singh]], the then minister of external affairs, flew with the terrorists to Afghanistan and exchanged them for the passengers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/how-the-world-paid-for-the-ic-814-hijacking-16-years-hence|title=How the World Paid for the IC-814 Hijacking, 18 Years Ago|work=The Quint|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817125013/https://www.thequint.com/news/india/how-the-world-paid-for-the-ic-814-hijacking-16-years-hence|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Vladimir Putin 6 November 2001-5.jpg|thumb|Vajpayee with Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] on 6 November 2001]]
[[File:President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee shake hands after signing a vision statement, Hyderabad House, New Delhi.jpg|thumb|Vajpayee meeting U.S. president [[Bill Clinton]] at the [[Hyderabad House]]<br />on 21 March 2000]]

In March 2000, [[Bill Clinton]], the President of the United States, paid a state visit to India.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2000/03/ind-m23.html|title=Clinton visit to the Indian subcontinent sets a new strategic orientation|last=Symonds|first=Peter|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817225500/https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2000/03/ind-m23.html|archive-date=17 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the first state visit to India by a U.S. president in 22 years, since President Jimmy Carter's visit in 1978.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/atal-bihari-vajpayee-went-the-extra-mile-shaped-indias-foreign-policy/articleshow/65433428.cms |title=Atal Bihari Vajpayee went the extra mile, shaped India's foreign policy |last=Chaudhury |first=Dipanjan Roy |date=17 August 2018 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817225904/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/atal-bihari-vajpayee-went-the-extra-mile-shaped-indias-foreign-policy/articleshow/65433428.cms |archive-date=17 August 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> President Clinton's visit was hailed as a significant milestone in relations between the two nations.<ref name=":6" /> Vajpayee and Clinton had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and international developments.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2000/sep/16pmus2.htm |title=The text of the Clinton-Vajpayee joint statement |date=16 September 2000 |work=Rediff |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429195312/http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/sep/16pmus2.htm |archive-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The visit led to expansion in trade and economic ties between India and the United States.<ref name="LATimes_Obit">{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-atal-bihari-vajpayee-20180816-story.html |title=Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Indian prime minister who pursued peace with Pakistan, dies at 93 |last1=Bengali |first1=Shashank |date=16 August 2018 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=17 August 2018 |last2=M. N. |first2=Parth |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817015457/http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-atal-bihari-vajpayee-20180816-story.html |archive-date=17 August 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> A vision document on the future course of Indo-U.S. relations was signed during the visit.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tandon |first=Ashok |date=17 August 2018 |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/atal-bihari-vajpayee-passes-away-at-93-bhishma-pitamaha-of-indian-politics-former-prime-minister-was-humanity-personified-4983621.html |title=Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away at 93: Bhishma Pitamaha of Indian politics, former prime minister was humanity personified |work=Firstpost |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817172920/https://www.firstpost.com/india/atal-bihari-vajpayee-passes-away-at-93-bhishma-pitamaha-of-indian-politics-former-prime-minister-was-humanity-personified-4983621.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Domestically, the BJP-led government was influenced by the RSS, but owing to its dependence on coalition support, it was impossible for the BJP to push items like building the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, repealing [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India|Article 370]] which gave a special status to the state of Kashmir, or enacting a [[uniform civil code]] applicable to adherents of all religions. On 17 January 2000, there were reports of the RSS and some BJP hard-liners threatening to restart the Jan Sangh, the precursor to the BJP, because of their discontent over Vajpayee's rule. Former president of the Jan Sangh Balraj Madhok had written a letter to the then-RSS chief [[Rajendra Singh (RSS)|Rajendra Singh]] for support.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Sharad |last2=Sinha |first2=Sanjiv |title=Revive Jan Sangh – BJP hardlines |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/revive-jan-sangh-bjp-hardlines/ |access-date=12 August 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=18 January 2000 |archive-date=12 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812095333/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/revive-jan-sangh-bjp-hardlines/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The BJP was, however, accused of "saffronising" the official state education curriculum and apparatus, saffron being the colour of the RSS flag of the RSS, and a symbol of the Hindu nationalism movement.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2001/09/19/stories/05192524.htm |title=The colour of education |last=Mehra |first=Ajay K. |date=19 September 2001 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020922121220/http://thehindu.com/thehindu/2001/09/19/stories/05192524.htm |archive-date=22 September 2002 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> Home Minister L. K. Advani and the Human Resource Development Minister (now called Education Minister)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yadav |first1=Shyamlal |title=Explained: How India's Education Ministry became 'HRD Ministry', and then returned to embrace Education |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-hrd-ministry-and-ministry-of-education-6531694/ |access-date=27 February 2021 |work=The Indian Express |date=1 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121065915/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-hrd-ministry-and-ministry-of-education-6531694/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Murli Manohar Joshi]] were indicted in the 1992 [[Demolition of the Babri Masjid|Babri Mosque demolition]] case for inciting a mob of activists. Vajpayee himself came under public scrutiny owing to his controversial speech one day prior to the mosque demolition.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/04/25/stories/2004042501941200.htm|title=National / Elections 2004 : This Vajpayee speech campaigns against the NDA|last=Ramakrishnan|first=Venkitesh|date=25 April 2004|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102184931/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/04/25/stories/2004042501941200.htm|archive-date=2 January 2016|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url-status=dead}}</ref>

These years were accompanied by infighting in the administration and confusion regarding the direction of government.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/states/story/19991011-bitter-infighting-truant-kalyan-singh-ensure-turbulent-days-for-bjp-after-elections-824933-1999-10-11 |title=Spoiling the party |date=11 October 1999 |access-date=17 August 2018 |work=[[India Today]] |last=Mishra |first=Subhash |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817225811/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/states/story/19991011-bitter-infighting-truant-kalyan-singh-ensure-turbulent-days-for-bjp-after-elections-824933-1999-10-11 |archive-date=17 August 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/guest-column/story/20010108-in-2000-vajpayee-could-have-done-a-lot-more-than-mere-tinkering-776035-2001-01-08 |work=[[India Today]] |title=Year of inaction |date=8 January 2001 |last=Singh |first=Tavleen |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817225906/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/guest-column/story/20010108-in-2000-vajpayee-could-have-done-a-lot-more-than-mere-tinkering-776035-2001-01-08 |archive-date=17 August 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Vajpayee's weakening health was also a subject of public interest, and he underwent a major knee-replacement surgery at the [[Breach Candy Hospital]] in Mumbai to relieve intense pressure upon his legs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gulfnews.com/news/uae/general/vajpayee-s-knee-surgery-successful-1.418521|title=Vajpayee's knee surgery successful|last=Raghunath|first=Pamela|date=8 June 2001|work=Gulf News|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529065152/http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/general/vajpayee-s-knee-surgery-successful-1.418521|archive-date=29 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2001, the [[Tehelka]] group released a sting operation video named [[Operation West End]] which showed BJP president [[Bangaru Laxman]], senior army officers and NDA members accepting bribes from journalists posing as agents and businessmen.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/2001/03/20/stories/13200341.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150309145729/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/03/20/stories/13200341.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 March 2015|title=Operation West End|access-date=17 August 2018|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 March 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tehelka.com/channels/Investigation/page.asp |title=Investigations |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105204324/http://www.tehelka.com/channels/Investigation/page.asp |archive-date=5 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Defence Minister [[George Fernandes]] was forced to resign following the [[Barak Missile scandal]] involving the botched supplies of coffins for the soldiers killed in Kargil, and the findings of an inquiry commission that the government could have prevented the Kargil invasion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Fernandes-offers-to-quit/articleshow/33942023.cms|title=Fernandes offers to quit |work=The Times of India|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421235534/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Fernandes-offers-to-quit/articleshow/33942023.cms|archive-date=21 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Vajpayee initiated talks with Pakistan and invited Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf to [[Agra]] for a [[Agra summit|joint summit]]. President Musharraf was believed to be the principal architect of the Kargil War in India.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/14/world/a-summit-meeting-of-old-foes-india-and-pakistan.html |title=A Summit Meeting of Old Foes: India and Pakistan |last=Dugger |first=Celia W. |date=14 July 2001 |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527161858/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/14/world/a-summit-meeting-of-old-foes-india-and-pakistan.html |archive-date=27 May 2015 |url-status=live  }}</ref> By accepting him as the [[President of Pakistan]], Vajpayee chose to move forward leaving behind the Kargil War. But after three days of much fanfare, which included Musharraf visiting his birthplace in Delhi, the summit failed to achieve a breakthrough as President Musharraf declined to leave aside the issue of Kashmir.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Baral|first=J.K.|s2cid=154231247|date=1 August 2002|title=The Agra Summit|journal=International Studies|volume=39|issue=3|pages=289–302|doi=10.1177/002088170203900305|issn=0020-8817}}</ref>

==== 2001 attack on Parliament ====
{{Main|2001 Indian Parliament attack}}
On 13 December 2001, a group of masked, armed men with fake IDs stormed [[Old Parliament House (India)|Parliament House]] in Delhi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/parliament-attack-afzal-guru-hanging-all-that-happened-in-16-years-1106199-2017-12-13|title=Parliament attack: From 5 terrorists storming in to Afzal Guru hanging, all that happened in 16 years|website=India Today|date=13 December 2017 |access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112023820/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/parliament-attack-afzal-guru-hanging-all-that-happened-in-16-years-1106199-2017-12-13|archive-date=12 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The terrorists managed to kill several security guards, but the building was sealed off swiftly and security forces cornered and killed the men who were later proven to be Pakistan nationals.{{sfn|J. N. Dixit|2003|p=}} Vajpayee ordered Indian troops to mobilise for war, leading to an estimated 500,000<ref name="ParliamentAttackBrinkWar">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Parliament-attack-had-brought-India-Pak-on-brink-of-another-war/articleshow/18424134.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |title=Parliament attack had brought India, Pak on brink of another war |access-date=17 August 2018 |date=10 February 2013 |author=Times News Network (TNN) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212085505/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Parliament-attack-had-brought-India-Pak-on-brink-of-another-war/articleshow/18424134.cms |archive-date=12 February 2013 |url-status=live  }}</ref> to 750,000<ref name="BBC_2002">{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/2335599.stm |title=Pakistan to withdraw front-line troops |date=17 October 2002 |work=BBC News |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714093545/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/2335599.stm |archive-date=14 July 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Indian soldiers positioned along the international border between India and Pakistan under Operation Parakram. Pakistan responded by mobilising its own troops along the border leading to the [[2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff|2001-2002 military standoff]].<ref name="ParliamentAttackBrinkWar" /> A terrorist attack on an army garrison in Kashmir in May 2002 further escalated the situation. As the threat of war between two nuclear capable countries and the consequent possibility of a nuclear exchange loomed large, international diplomatic mediation focused on defusing the situation.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Coll |first=Steve |date=13 February 2006 |title=The Stand-off |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/02/13/the-stand-off |magazine=The New Yorker |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724140934/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/02/13/the-stand-off |archive-date=24 July 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In October 2002, both India and Pakistan announced that they would withdraw their troops from the border.<ref name="BBC_2002" />

The Vajpayee administration brought in the [[Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002|Prevention of Terrorism Act]] in 2002. The act was aimed at curbing terrorist threats by strengthening powers of government authorities to investigate and act against suspects.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Venkatesan |first=V. |title=POTA under challenge |url=https://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2003/stories/20030214004102600.htm |magazine=Frontline |volume=20 |issue=3, 1–14 February 2003 |access-date=17 August 2018 }}{{dead link|date=May 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3666716.stm |title=Analysis: The problems with Pota |last=Singh |first=Jyotsna |date=17 September 2004 |work=BBC News |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817225639/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3666716.stm |archive-date=17 August 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> It was passed in a joint session of the parliament, amidst concerns that the law would be misused.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Venkatesan |first=V. |title=The POTA passage |url=https://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1908/19081020.htm |magazine=Frontline |volume=19 |issue=8, 13–26 April 2002 |access-date=17 August 2018 }}{{dead link|date=May 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Another political disaster hit his government between December 2001 and March 2002 with the VHP and the Government engaging in a major standoff in [[Ayodhya]] over the [[Ram Janmabhoomi|Ram temple]]. On the 10th anniversary of the destruction of the [[Babri Masjid|Babri mosque]], the VHP wanted to perform a ''shila daan'', or a ceremony laying the foundation stone of the cherished temple at the disputed site.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/2002/03/15/stories/2002031506010100.htm |last=Mody |first=Anjaly |date=14 March 2002 |access-date=17 August 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]] |title=Security blanket over Ayodhya as VHP is firm on shila daan}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Thousands of VHP activists amassed and threatened to overrun the site and forcibly perform the ceremony.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/mar/15/india.lukeharding |last=Harding |first=Luke |title=Ayodhya fear: Hindus to defy ban and pray at site of ruined mosque |date=15 March 2002 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312062400/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/mar/15/india.lukeharding |archive-date=12 March 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/02/27/ayodhya.background/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=17 August 2018 |title=Ayodhya: India's religious flashpoint |date=28 February 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124042754/http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/02/27/ayodhya.background/index.html |archive-date=24 January 2011 |url-status=live  }}</ref> A threat of communal violence and breakdown of law and order owing to the defiance of the government by a religious organisation hung over the nation. The incident, however, ended peacefully with a symbolic handover of a stone at a different location 1&nbsp;km away from the disputed site.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2002/03/16/stories/2002031606010100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=15 March 2002 |last=Mody |first=Anjaly |title=Central emissary receives 'shila'; Ayodhya breathes easy |access-date=17 August 2018}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

==== 2002 Gujarat violence ====
{{Main|2002 Gujarat riots}}

In February 2002, a train filled with Hindu pilgrims returning to Gujarat from [[Ayodhya]] stopped in the town of [[Godhra]]. A scuffle broke out between Hindu activists and Muslim residents, and the train was set on fire, leading to the deaths of 59 people. The charred bodies of the victims were displayed in public in the city of [[Ahmedabad]], and the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] called for a statewide strike in Gujarat. These decisions stoked anti-Muslim sentiments.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/04/06/world/asia/modi-gujarat-riots-timeline.html |title=Timeline of the Riots in Modi's Gujarat |date=19 August 2015 |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726064708/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/04/06/world/asia/modi-gujarat-riots-timeline.html |archive-date=26 July 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Blaming Muslims for the deaths, rampaging Hindu mobs killed thousands of Muslim men and women, destroying Muslim homes and places of worship. The violence raged for more than two months, and more than 1,000 people died.<ref name="NYT_Riots">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/27/world/religious-riots-loom-over-indian-politics.html |title=Religious Riots Loom Over Indian Politics |last=Dugger |first=Celia W. |date=27 July 2002 |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812073629/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/27/world/religious-riots-loom-over-indian-politics.html |archive-date=12 August 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Gujarat was being ruled by a BJP government, with [[Narendra Modi]] as the chief minister. The state government was criticised for mishandling the situation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/2002/04/05/stories/2002040509161100.htm |title=Vajpayee's advice to Modi |last=Dasgupta |first=Manas |date=5 April 2002 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106133029/http://www.thehindu.com/2002/04/05/stories/2002040509161100.htm |archive-date=6 January 2016 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was accused of doing little to stop the violence, and even being complicit in encouraging it.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/29/world/asia/29india.html |title=Shadows of Violence Cling to Indian Politician |last=Sengupta |first=Somini |date=29 April 2009 |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830124248/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/29/world/asia/29india.html |archive-date=30 August 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="NYT_Riots" />

Vajpayee reportedly wanted to remove Modi but was eventually prevailed upon by party members to not act against him.<ref name="Caravan_Modi">{{Cite news |url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reportage/emperor-uncrowned-narendra-modi-profile |title=1 March 2012 |last=Jose |first=Vinod K |date=1 March 2012 |work=The Caravan |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722135036/http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reportage/emperor-uncrowned-narendra-modi-profile |archive-date=22 July 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/modi-has-to-go-post-2002-gujarat-riots-atal-bihari-vajpayee-wanted-then-cm-to-step-down-3191210.html |title='Modi has to go': Post-2002 Gujarat riots, Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted then CM to step down |date=7 January 2017 |work=Firstpost |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208022633/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/modi-has-to-go-post-2002-gujarat-riots-atal-bihari-vajpayee-wanted-then-cm-to-step-down-3191210.html |archive-date=8 February 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> He travelled to Gujarat, visiting Godhra, and Ahmedabad, the site of the most violent riots. He announced financial aid for victims and urged an end to the violence.<ref name="NYT_2002">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/05/world/angry-and-ashamed-indian-prime-minister-tours-riot-torn-state.html |title=Angry and Ashamed, Indian Prime Minister Tours Riot-Torn State |last=Bearak |first=Barry |date=5 April 2002 |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818085337/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/05/world/angry-and-ashamed-indian-prime-minister-tours-riot-torn-state.html |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> While he condemned the violence,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=8625|title=Vajpayee condemns Godhra carnage, Gujarat communal violence&nbsp;– Express India|agency=Press Trust of India|website=The Indian Express|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914172803/http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=8625|archive-date=14 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> he did not chastise Modi directly in public. When asked as to what his message to the chief minister in the event of the riots would be, Vajpayee responded that Modi must follow ''raj dharma'', Hindi for ethical governance.<ref name="NYT_2002" />

At the meeting of the BJP national executive in Goa in April 2002, Vajpayee's speech generated controversy for its contents which included him saying: "Wherever Muslims live, they don't like to live in co-existence with others."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/who-started-the-fire/215254 |title=Who Started The Fire? |date=20 April 2002 |work=Outlook |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118035839/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/who-started-the-fire/215254 |archive-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/04/18/india.vajpayee/index.html|title=CNN.com&nbsp;– Vajpayee reveals his true colors&nbsp;– April 18, 2002|last=Tully|first=Mark|publisher=CNN|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231003948/http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/04/18/india.vajpayee/index.html|archive-date=31 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]] stated that these remarks had been taken out of context.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-passes-away-bjp-loses-its-tallest-leader-india-a-statesman-politician/1282121/|title=Atal Bihari Vajpayee passes away: BJP loses its tallest leader, India a statesman&nbsp;politician|date=16 August 2018|work=The Financial Express|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816145129/https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-passes-away-bjp-loses-its-tallest-leader-india-a-statesman-politician/1282121/|archive-date=16 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Vajpayee was accused of doing nothing to stop the violence, and later admitted mistakes in handling the events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/04/30/india.censure/index.html|title=CNN.com&nbsp;– Vajpayee admits mistake over Gujarat&nbsp;– April 30, 2002|first=Kasra |last=Naji|publisher=CNN|access-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102005320/http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/04/30/india.censure/index.html|archive-date=2 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[K. R. Narayanan]], then [[president of India]], also blamed Vajpayee's government for failing to quell the violence.{{sfn|Dossani|2008|p=154}} After the BJP's defeat in the 2004 general elections, Vajpayee admitted that not removing Modi had been a mistake.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/14/stories/2004061411630100.htm |title=Not removing Modi was a mistake, says Vajpayee |last=Yogendra |first=Kanwar |date=14 June 2004 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818123316/https://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/14/stories/2004061411630100.htm |archive-date=18 August 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==== Later years ====
[[File:Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee speaking at a special session to commorate 200th session of Rajya Sabha in the Centre Hall of Parliament on 11 December, 2003.jpg|thumb|Prime Minister Vajpayee speaking at a special session to commemorate the 200th session of [[Rajya Sabha]] in 2003.]]
In late 2002 and 2003 the government pushed through economic reforms.<ref name="ChinaDailyEconomy2004">{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-06/30/content_344346.htm |date=30 June 2004 |author=Agencies |title=India's economy grows 8.2% in 2003–2004 |work=China Daily |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611095603/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-06/30/content_344346.htm |archive-date=11 June 2009 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The country's GDP growth exceeded 7% every year from 2003 to 2007, following three years of sub-5% growth.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[World Bank]] |title=GDP growth (annual %): India |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=IN |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818052213/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=IN |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Increasing foreign investment,<ref name="ChinaDailyEconomy2004" /> modernisation of public and industrial infrastructure, the creation of jobs, a rising high-tech and IT industry and urban modernisation and expansion improved the nation's international image. Good crop harvests and strong industrial expansion also helped the economy.<ref>{{cite news |title=India's Economy Soared by 10% in Last Quarter of 2003 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/01/business/india-s-economy-soared-by-10-in-last-quarter-of-2003.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=1 April 2004 |last=Rai |first=Saritha |access-date=17 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818022529/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/01/business/india-s-economy-soared-by-10-in-last-quarter-of-2003.html |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In May 2003, he announced before the parliament that he would make one last effort to achieve peace with Pakistan. The announcement ended a period of 16 months, following the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament, during which India had severed diplomatic ties with Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/02/international/asia/india-announces-steps-in-effort-to-end-its-conflict-with.html |title=India Announces Steps in Effort to End Its Conflict With Pakistan |last=Waldman |first=Amy |date=2 May 2003 |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818084005/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/02/international/asia/india-announces-steps-in-effort-to-end-its-conflict-with.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Although diplomatic relations did not pick up immediately, visits were exchanged by high-level officials and the military standoff ended. The Pakistani President and Pakistani politicians, civil and religious leaders hailed this initiative as did the leaders of the United States, Europe and much of the world. In July 2003, Prime Minister Vajpayee visited China and met with various Chinese leaders. He recognised [[Tibet]] as a part of China, which was welcomed by the Chinese leadership, and which, in the following year, recognised [[Sikkim]] as part of India. [[China–India relations]] improved greatly in the following years.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Jain |first=B.M. |s2cid=154249140 |date=24 January 2007 |title=India–China relations: issues and emerging trends |journal=The Round Table  |volume=93 |issue=374 |pages=253–269 |doi=10.1080/00358530410001679602 |issn=0035-8533}}</ref>

==== 2004 general election ====
[[File:The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee casting his vote at a polling booth in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on May 5, 2004.jpg|thumb|Prime Minister Vajpayee casting his vote at a polling booth in [[Lucknow]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], during the 2004 general election.]]
In 2003, news reports suggested a tussle within the BJP with regard to sharing of leadership between Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/2003/09/25/stories/2003092507200900.htm |title=Vajpayee is our leader, reiterates BJP |last=Vyas |first=Neena |date=25 September 2003 |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040204045322/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/09/25/stories/2003092507200900.htm |archive-date=4 February 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jun/17bidwai.htm |title=BJP's leadership fissures |last=Bidwai |first=Praful |date=17 June 2003 |work=Rediff |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724150819/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jun/17bidwai.htm |archive-date=24 July 2008 |url-status=live  }}</ref> BJP president [[Venkaiah Naidu]] had suggested that Advani must lead the party politically at the 2004 general elections, referring to Vajpayee as ''vikas purush'', Hindi for development man, and Advani as ''loh purush'', iron man.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/atal-bihari-vajpayee-the-pregnant-pause-lengthens-forever/articleshow/65426150.cms|title=Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The pregnant pause lengthens forever|last=Arun|first=T. K.|date=16 August 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817161545/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/atal-bihari-vajpayee-the-pregnant-pause-lengthens-forever/articleshow/65426150.cms|archive-date=17 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> When Vajpayee subsequently threatened retirement, Naidu backtracked, announcing that the party would contest the elections under the twin leadership of Vajpayee and Advani.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/06/06/stories/2003060600050800.htm |title=Vikas and loh |last=Raghavan |first=S |date=6 June 2003 |work=Business Line |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060523061621/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/06/06/stories/2003060600050800.htm |archive-date=23 May 2006 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

The NDA was widely expected to retain power after the [[2004 Indian general election|2004 general election]]. It announced elections six months ahead of schedule, hoping to capitalise on economic growth, and Vajpayee's peace initiative with Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/13/international/asia/in-huge-upset-gandhis-party-wins-election-in-india.html |title=In Huge Upset, Gandhi's Party Wins Election in India |last=Waldman |first=Amy |date=13 May 2004 |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214424/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/13/international/asia/in-huge-upset-gandhis-party-wins-election-in-india.html |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Guardian_2004">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/may/14/india.randeepramesh |title=Shock defeat for India's Hindu nationalists |last=Ramesh |first=Randeep |date=14 May 2004 |work=The Guardian |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144006/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/may/14/india.randeepramesh |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The [[13th Lok Sabha]] was dissolved before the completion of its term. The BJP hoped to capitalise on a perceived 'feel-good factor' and BJP's recent successes in the Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and [[Chhattisgarh]]. Under the "[[India Shining]]" campaign, it released ads proclaiming the economic growth of the nation under the government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://india.eu.org/1634.html|title=India Shining backfired: Advani – Debating India|website=india.eu.org|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227081851/http://india.eu.org/1634.html|archive-date=27 December 2005|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/532006/bjp-and-the-india-shining-campaign/|title=BJP and the India Shining campaign {{!}} The Express Tribune|date=6 April 2013|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729065335/https://tribune.com.pk/story/532006/bjp-and-the-india-shining-campaign/|archive-date=29 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

However, the BJP could only win 138 seats in the 543-seat parliament,<ref name="Economist_2004">{{Cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2004/05/13/the-voters-big-surprise |title=The voters' big surprise |date=13 May 2004 |newspaper=The Economist |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214608/https://www.economist.com/asia/2004/05/13/the-voters-big-surprise |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> with several prominent cabinet ministers being defeated.<ref name="Guardian_2004" /> The NDA coalition won 185 seats. The Indian National Congress, led by [[Sonia Gandhi]], emerged as the single largest party, winning 145 seats in the election. The Congress and its allies, comprising many smaller parties, formed the [[United Progressive Alliance]], accounting for 220 seats in the parliament.<ref name="Economist_2004" /> Vajpayee resigned as prime minister.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/05/13/india.poll.counting/|title=CNN.com – Vajpayee resigns after poll upset – May 13, 2004|publisher=CNN|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816175253/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/05/13/india.poll.counting/|archive-date=16 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The UPA, with the outside support of communist parties, formed the next government with [[Manmohan Singh]] as the prime minister.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2004/05/20/sonia-and-yet-so-far |title=Sonia: and yet so far |date=20 May 2004 |newspaper=The Economist |access-date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214453/https://www.economist.com/asia/2004/05/20/sonia-and-yet-so-far |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>                                                   Later, his aide Shiv Kumar Pareek revealed he didn't wanted earlier polls and sensed the defeat earlier.<ref>https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-didnt-want-to-advance-2004-polls-feared-defeat-says-his-aide-1906801#google_vignette</ref>