New Delhi, Dec 25 – It was a quiet 85th birthday Friday for former prime minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who has not been seen in public for over a year. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was among those who visited him.

Manmohan Singh reached Vajpayee’s residence at Krishna Menon Marg to wish him a happy birthday. Other senior BJP leaders also greeted him.

‘Vajpayeeji will not be meeting all the people as he is not well,’ said an official at his residence. He has been unwell for some time now.

‘Several functions have been organised to pray for the better health of Vajpayeeji. We hope he will get well soon and guide us,’ a BJP spokesman said.

Vajpayee was born into the family of a school teacher Dec 25, 1924 in Gwalior. As a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, he rose to become prime minister and held the post thrice.

A veteran parliamentarian, Vajpayee’s political career stretches over four decades.

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