‘All of Pakistan as Dowry’: Rajnath Singh Recalls Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Witty Reply During Pakistan Visit

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday recalled a memorable moment from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Pakistan, highlighting the late leader’s sharp wit and diplomatic finesse. Speaking on Vajpayee’s birth anniversary, observed as Good Governance Day, Singh narrated an incident that underscored how the former Prime Minister combined humour with an uncompromising stand on national issues.

In February 1999, Vajpayee started the famous bus service between Delhi and Lahore | Moneycontrol

The Remark That Drew Laughter

According to Rajnath Singh, the incident occurred during Vajpayee’s address at a public event in Pakistan. A woman in the audience, impressed by Vajpayee’s speech, reportedly made a playful remark, asking whether he would marry her if she offered Kashmir in return. The question touched upon one of the most sensitive and long-standing disputes between India and Pakistan.

Vajpayee, known for his calm demeanour and presence of mind, responded instantly. He said he would agree to the proposal only if he received the entire Pakistan as dowry. The response triggered laughter among those present but also conveyed a clear political message without resorting to confrontation.

Humour with a Diplomatic Message

Rajnath Singh said the anecdote reflected Vajpayee’s unique ability to communicate firm national positions through wit and grace. Even when faced with provocative or sensitive remarks, Vajpayee chose words that defused tension while reaffirming India’s stance, particularly on the Kashmir issue.

The Defence Minister noted that such moments demonstrated why Vajpayee was widely respected across borders, even by political opponents.

Context of the Pakistan Visit

Vajpayee’s visit to Pakistan, including the historic Lahore bus journey in 1999, was a major diplomatic initiative aimed at improving bilateral relations. The visit led to the signing of the Lahore Declaration, which sought confidence-building measures and dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Although the peace process later suffered setbacks following the Kargil conflict, Vajpayee continued to advocate engagement and dialogue, inviting Pakistan’s leadership for talks during the Agra Summit in 2001.

Remembering a Statesman

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who served as Prime Minister three times, is remembered for his oratory skills, poetic sensibility, and commitment to democratic values. His leadership combined decisive action on national security with an emphasis on dialogue and institutional integrity.

December 25 is observed as Good Governance Day in his honour, recognising his contribution to India’s political and administrative legacy.

The MGMM Outlook

During a commemoration of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recounted a memorable episode from the former Prime Minister’s visit to Pakistan that highlighted his wit and diplomatic finesse. At a public event, a woman jokingly asked Vajpayee if he would marry her in exchange for Kashmir. Vajpayee’s quick-witted reply—that he would consider it only if he received all of Pakistan as dowry—elicited laughter while subtly reaffirming India’s firm stance on the Kashmir issue. The incident underscored how Vajpayee skillfully balanced humour with political messaging, projecting strength without confrontation.

This anecdote also reflects the broader context of Vajpayee’s Pakistan visit, including the historic Lahore bus journey and the Lahore Declaration aimed at fostering dialogue between the two nations. Even though subsequent events, such as the Kargil conflict, challenged the peace process, Vajpayee continued to advocate engagement and diplomacy, exemplified during the Agra Summit in 2001. Known for his eloquence, poetic sensibility, and steadfast commitment to democratic values, Vajpayee’s approach combined firmness on national security with a preference for dialogue, leaving a legacy of statesmanship that resonates long after his tenure.

(Sources: India Today, NDTV, Moneycontrol)