His sincerity, humility and popularity, which extended across the political spectrum, made him prime minister in 1996. But he came to be known as the 'thirteen-day PM' after the BJP lost the vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha.

But his acceptability among political parties is precisely the reason why the 23-party National Democratic Alliance is well on its way to becoming the first coalition government to complete its full term in power.

Vajpayee spinning yarn during a visit to Sabarmati Ashram in 1996.